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A validated cold vapour-AAS method for determining mercury in human red blood cells
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ege University, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. soguto@pharm.ege.edu.tr
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
|November 10, 2004
Summary
A validated cold vapour-atomic absorption spectrometry method accurately measures mercury in dental professionals' red blood cells. This ensures reliable monitoring of mercury exposure in dental school environments using amalgam.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Dental amalgam, a restorative material, contains mercury, posing potential exposure risks.
- Monitoring mercury levels in dental professionals is crucial for assessing occupational health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a cold vapour-atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) method for mercury determination in red blood cells.
- To assess mercury levels in dental students and staff at a dental school using amalgam.
Main Methods:
- Validated a CV-AAS method for mercury analysis in red blood cells.
- Collected and analyzed 122 blood samples from dental students, clinical teachers, and controls.
- Determined method accuracy, linearity, precision (intra-day and inter-day), and robustness.
Main Results:
- The CV-AAS method demonstrated excellent linearity (R²/0.99) and precision (CV < 5.51%).
- Accuracy was confirmed using a certified reference material (CRM NIST 966) with 89.27% recovery.
- Detection and quantification limits were 1.84 and 4.03 µg/L, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The validated CV-AAS method is suitable for direct mercury measurement in red blood cells.
- Highlights the importance of monitoring working conditions for dental professionals exposed to amalgam.