Evaluation of trace elements in human lung tissue. I. Concentration and distribution.

The lungs of eight individuals were investigated for 27 elements by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Thirteen segments of each lung pair were analyzed, together with hilar lymph nodes. The trace element distribution in the lungs and the inter-individual concentration differences reveal the existence of two groups of elements. A similar situation is observed in the lymph nodes. The elements Br, Cs, Cu, K, Na, Rb, Se and Zn are relatively homogeneously distributed over a lung pair and show little inter-individual concentration differences. On the other hand, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Sb, Sc and V are very inhomogeneosly distributed. The inhomogeneity and the concentrations increase with age. The existence of a concentration gradient within the lung and of relatively higher levels in the lymph nodes point to an enrichment in the lung tissue by inhaled atmospheric contaminants.