Elemental Distribution in the Human Respiratory System and Excretion Organs: Absorption and Accumulation

Abstract

In order to initiate a reference data base for the respiratory system and to understand the effects of airborne substances on human health, different sites of the respiratory ducts and respiratory tissue were analysed. Excretion organs related to the removal of inhaled constituents were also assessed in order to infer excretion rates of the chemical species found in the respiratory system. PIXE was applied to the determination of minor and trace elemental contents of trachea, bronchi, lung, liver and kidney samples. Two groups of elements were established: the constitutive elements, known to be essential to cellular metabolism (K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb and Sr), and the accumulated elements of exogenous origin (Ti, V, Cr, Ni, Zr and Pb). The different patterns of elemental accumulation at excretion organs and in the respiratory system suggest differences in the aerodynamic properties and in the chemical affinities or reactivity of inhaled particulate matter with cells. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.