Abstract: Objective To explore the feasibility of applying zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) as a screening index of exposure to environmental lead pollution. Methods Blood samples (2-3 mL) were collected from each residents living nearby a battery factory in Zijin County, Guangdong Province. Lead in blood samples was detected by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer and ZPP in blood, by ZPP hematofluorometer. Blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥100 μg/L and ≥400 μg/L were taken as the diagnostic criteria of chronic lead poisoning for children and adults, respectively. Results A total of 946 residents, 174 children aged 1-13 years and 772 adults aged 16-87, were surveyed. The over standard rate of children's BLL was 14.9% (26/174), and the medians of ZPP and BLL of children were 0.780 μmol/L and 47.675 μg/L, respectively. ZPP contents in blood of children showed no correlation with their BLLs (P>0.05). The over standard rate of BLL of adults was 9.5%, and the medians of ZPP and BLL of adults were 0.740 μmol/L and 69.572 μg/L, respectively. ZPP contents in blood of adults showed a weak correlation with their BLLs (r=0.344, P<0.05). ZPP contents of children with high BLL (≥100 μg/L) correlated with their BLLs (r=0.530，P<0.05), while ZPP contents of children with low BLL (<100 μg/L) showed no correlation with their BLLs (P>0.05). ZPP contents of adults with both high BLLs (≥400 μg/L) and low BLLs (<400 μg/L) showed positive correlations with their BLLs (r=0.566 and 0.142, respectively; P<0.05 for both). Conclusion ZPP could be used as a screening index of exposure to environmental lead population for adults or children with high BLL.