US EPA

1784673 

Journal Article 

Multielement Analyses in Human Lung Tissue Correlated with Smoking, Pulmonary Emphysema and Lung Cancer 

Kalliomaki P-L; Paakko, P; Malmqvist, K; Pallon, J; Anttila, S; Vainio, H; Kalliomaki, K; Sutinen, S 

1987 

Yes 

Journal of Aerosol Science
ISSN: 0021-8502
EISSN: 1879-1964 

NIOSH/00182525 

18 

6 

711-715 

The concentrations of 18 elements derived mainly from minerals, heavy metals and essential trace elements were determined in samples of tissues from human lungs using the proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE) technique. Lung specimens were taken from 18 male patients with malignant disease and from 21 consecutive autopsies where there was no evidence of malignant disease. Elements analyzed included phosphorus (7723140), iron (7439896), calcium (7440702), silicon (7440213), zinc (7440666), aluminum (7429905), rubidium (7440177), titanium (7440326), chromium (7440473), copper (7440508), manganese (7439965), bromine (7726956), and selenium (7782492). Evidence of moderate to severe emphysema was related to a decrease in the dust concentration from light mineral elements such as silicon and also to most of the major and minor trace elements. No differentiation in severity of emphysema could be linked either to the age of the individuals or to smoking habits. An estimate was made as to the concentration of trace element levels in the lung, excluding patients with severe emphysema. Changes in trace element levels as a function of smoking time were more prominent in the lung tissues from cancer patients than from those of autopsy subjects with nonmalignant disease. 

DCN-171289; Pulmonary system disorders; Lung cancer; Airborne particles; Cigarette smoking; Lung tissue; Tissue distribution; Metal dusts; Aerosol particles; Trace substances