Objectives To evaluate the risk of anaemia for exposed children to lead and cadmium in the Copsa Mica area. To confirm that anaemia for exposed populations represents a risk factor for lead intoxication (Copsa Mica was one of the most polluted town in Europe).

Methods Two groups were studied: the 1st group consists of 90 children exposed to heavy metals (statistically significant group) and the 2nd group was represented by 88 children from non-exposed locations. Both groups are homogenous (no statistical differences regarding the age and sex ratio). Inclusion criteria: children between 2 and 16 years of age and no haematopoiesis anomalies. Tests performed: blood lead level (BLL μg%), cadmium blood level and haematological evaluation (haemoglobin value and erythrocyte parameters). For statistical evaluation of the results, the authors have used “independent-sample t test” and Taro–Yamman formula.

Results The mean value for BLL in the exposed group was 11.15 μg% compared with 1.95 μg% for the 2nd group (p = 0.000). The cadmium blood levels were normal for the two groups. The mean value of haemoglobin for the 1st group was 12.850 g% compared with the second group (12.943 g%). In addition, there was a significant difference regarding the mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC; p = 0.000).

Conclusions Although the children from the Copsa Mica area are still exposed to lead, there is no risk of anaemia in exposed children; there is a significant statistical difference for MCHC in both groups.