An analytical procedure for the determination of cadmium in human placentae

Cadmium was determined in human placental tissue by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Several sampling, homogenizing and decomposition procedures were tested with regard to their suitability for flameless AAS. Main criteria involved recovery, representativity contamination, accuracy and precision. Analysis of biological reference materials yielded results in agreement with reported certified values or grand means. A sampling strategy was developed based on expected placental distribution patterns of the metal. The sampling method used appeared to be satisfactorily representative of the organ as a whole. During 1978 and 1979 placentae were collected from mothers living in the Amsterdam area in the Netherlands. Mean placental cadmium levels of smokers (66 +/- 33 ng/g dry weight) appeared to be slightly elevated compared to those of non-smokers (51 +/- 20 ng/g).