Differentiation between occupational and dietary-related intake of barium in the skeleton

On the basis of the reconstruction of general nutritional patterns by trace element data on historic populations, an examination on occupational Ba intakes in the skeleton was carried out for a historical metallurgy population. The concentrations of the trace elements Ba, Sr, and Pb as well as the matrix element Ca were determined by AAS analysis. Their correlations within the population were analysed statistically. Evidence of a correlation between Ba and Sr concentrations and the lack of a correlation between Ba and Pb concentrations is interpreted as evidence for a probably solely dietary-related Ba intake in the skeleton. Ba intake from working in ore smelting plants is therefore unlikely or at least insignificant. These conclusions are supported by analysis results of modern food items from the catchment area of the historical population. A sufficient Ba supply through rye was determined, thereby explaining the concentration of Ba in the bone material of the historic population.