Occupational and environmental risks in and around a smelter in northern Sweden

The Rönnskär smelter in northern Sweden emits a number of potentially toxic substances, of which arsenic, lead and sulphur dioxide have caused most public concern. Birth weight was studied in the offspring of women working at the Rönnskär smelter and in four populations (A–D) at different distances from the smelter. In the offspring of employees and in two small industrial populations (A and B) close to the smelter a significantly decreased birth weight was found. This decrease showed a consistent parity dependence, affecting mainly later pregnancies.