The aim ofthis study was to determine the main contributors to blood lead levels in a population of women from middle to low socioeconomic status in the southwestern part ofMexico City. Within this area, the authors selected a random sample of200 women. Age ranged from 21 to 57 years, with a mean of36 yeas Among 99 women who agreed to partcipate in this study, blood kad leves ranged from 1 to 52 4ldL, with a mean of l0.6 dL. Five percent ofthe women had a blood lead level over 25 pg/dL and 22% over 15 sg/dL. There was no sgnifiant trend in blood levels according to age. The main determinants of blood lead levels were higher socioeconomic status (presence of telephone in the house, t-test, p = 0.L1) and using lead-glazed cemics (GC) to prepare food (ttest,p < 0.5). There wasa nifcat increasing trend in blood lead levels with increasing frequency of consumption of food prepared in LGC (test for trend, p = .0006). Among the dishes prepared in LGC, the main determinant was the consumption of stew. Time spent outdoors and consumption of tap water and ofcanned food were not important determinants of blood lead levels. The population attributable risk of high blood level (< 15 &g/dL) due tothe use of LGC was 58%. These findings demonstate the major role oftraditional pottery as a contributor to blood lead levels in this population and emphasize the need for interventions to produce leadfree pottery.