The content of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in deciduous and permanent human teeth

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the uptake of the trace metals lead, cadmium, zinc and copper, in deciduous and permanent teeth. The material consisted of teeth extracted in the Oslo area. The teeth were digested in hydrochloric acid, and analyses were made by differential pulse stripping voltammetry. Similar levels of cadmium and zinc were found in deciduous and permanent teeth. The copper content varied little in deciduous teeth, but in permanent teeth a wide variation in the copper levels was found. The content of lead in deciduous teeth was found to be higher than in permanent teeth.

Key Words:

• Lead
• Cadmium
• Zinc
• Copper
• trace elements