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.