Relation of Air Pollutants to Trace Metals in Bone

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Abstract
Calvarium and rib samples from each of 175 autopsy cases from Los Angeles County Hospital were analyzed for 14 elements; mean values were determined. Relatively complete histories were obtained for 65 of the cases and results of analyses of these have been studied in some detail. For the latter group there was no correlation between lead concentration and length of time lived in the Los Angeles area. Also, there was little or no correlation between lead concentration and age. Lead concentrations for males were higher than those for females; the difference between the means was significant at the 99% level. Males who smoked had more lead in the rib and lung than female smokers and men who did not smoke. Histories are given for 5 patients who showed extreme lead levels.