Analysis of lead and cadmium in deciduous teeth by means of potentiometric stripping analysis.

• The content of lead was analysed in 101 deciduous teeth by means of potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA). In order to check possible matrix effects a limited amount of samples were analysed with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) as well. After weighing, the teeth were dissolved in 1M hydrochloric acid and the metal determinations were performed. The mean lead concentration was 2039 ppb w/w tooth substance. A sufficient correlation between PSA and AAS was found. A significantly higher level of lead was found in teeth from children brought up in areas of heavy traffic compared to children living in more rural areas. In conclusion the PSA technique is a reliable, sensitive and fast method for determining heavy metals in dental hard tissues. As a biproduct the corresponding figures for cadmium were achieved with a mean value of 369 ppb, however with a lower degree of confidence.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Cadmium

analysis

Child

Humans

Lead

analysis

Potentiometry

methods

Spectrophotometry

Atomic

Tooth

Deciduous

analysis

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)