Atomic absorption analysis of some trace metals of toxicological interest

A selective and critical review, mainly from 1971 to 1974, of atomic absorption applied to the determination of eight toxic metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, thallium, arsenic, bismuth, beryllium, and boron) in blood, urine, and tissue is presented. Discussion involves both flame and flameless atomization, sample preparation, matrix modification, background correction, and contamination. Advantages of other atomic spectrometric techniques and use of recent confirmatory instrumental methods are included. Some normal and toxic levels are mentioned.