Microprobe analysis of lead in human femur by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE)

Abstract

A method is described for the measurement of the distribution of lead in bone tissue. Two cases of human femur have been analyzed; one worker was exposed to lead in heavy metal industry, the other case presents a reference worker from the same environment not excessively exposed to lead. Lead was determined through proton induced X-ray emission using microprobe technique. The mean lead concentration in the poisoned and the reference case was 70 and 30 ppm, respectively. The reference case showed an even lead distribution in the femur, while the poisoned case exhibited peaks in the distribution indicating that exposure to lead was not evenly distributed. The described technique has potential for microanalysis within the Haversian system for recording the history of exposure.