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Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Pollution compounds in human teeth in a Mexican Metropolitan Area
María José Mora-Reyna1, Myriam Angélica de la Garza-Ramos1, Guillermo Cano-Verdugo1
1Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Calle Dr. Eduardo Aguirre Pequeño s/n y Silao, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, N.L, 64460.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Teeth can reveal heavy metal exposure in polluted areas like the Monterrey Metropolitan Area. Dental enamel and dentin serve as effective biomarkers for tracking environmental toxins and their health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Dental Research
Background:
- Environmental pollution causes millions of deaths globally.
- The Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA) faces high exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 carrying toxic heavy metals.
- Heavy metal toxicity is linked to severe health disorders, yet their bioaccumulation in teeth remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate heavy metal levels in dental tissues of residents from the Monterrey Metropolitan Area.
- To investigate the potential of teeth as biomarkers for heavy metal exposure.
- To explore the relationship between heavy metal accumulation and demographic/geographic factors.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 67 extracted teeth from MMA residents.
- Teeth were sectioned into enamel and dentin for analysis.
- Heavy metal concentrations were measured using an Agilent 240FS AA atomic absorption spectrometer.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Zn, Sn) were observed between dental structures and geographic locations within the MMA.
- Salinas Victoria showed the highest lead (Pb) levels; Apodaca and General Zuazua had the highest zinc (Zn) and tin (Sn) levels, respectively.
- Heavy metal accumulation strongly correlated with occupation and length of residence, and moderately with municipality.
Conclusions:
- Dental enamel and dentin are confirmed as effective biomarkers for assessing heavy metal exposure in urban populations.
- The study highlights the significant bioaccumulation of heavy metals in teeth within the polluted Monterrey Metropolitan Area.
- Findings underscore the need for further research into the oral health implications of heavy metal bioaccumulation.
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