X-ray fluorescence analysis of lead in human skeleton in vivo.

Abstract

The lead concentration in the skeleton of living man was measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis. Five former workers from a metal industry were studied. The mean lead concentration in their skeletons was estimated to be 62 mug/g with a standard error of +/- 5 mug/g. A comparison with the "normal" skeletal concentrations of lead in people from southern Sweden showed the skeletal concentrations of the men studied to be about three to nine times higher.