Abstract
A detailed study of the analysis of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn content in bituminous coals from Pennsylvania and Utah was made and a satisfactory procedure for their analysis is presented. The Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn content of coal from a Pennsylvania mine having a high incidence of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) was found to be higher than a sample of coal from a Utah mine of low disease incidence. The cadmium content was found to be the same in both coals. The present investigation also deals with some observations concerning interferences associated with coal analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods. The significance of data with regard to the change in metal levels found in coal miners' lungs is discussed.