The relation between lead concentrations in human dental tissues and in blood

The purpose of this study was: (1) to measure the lead concentrations in various parts of the teeth (enamel, dentine and circumpulpal dentine) and in blood from individuals of a remote rural South African community; (2) to investigate any correlation between the lead concentrations in these various dental tissues and in blood; and (3) to estimate blood lead from the tooth lead concentrations reported in other studies. Primary teeth and blood were collected from 48 children and analysed by graphite-furnace atomic absorptiometry. The following median concentrations (expressed in mg/kg) of lead were found: blood, 0.025; enamel, 0.25; dentine, 2.04; circumpulpal dentine, 6.71. The tooth lead concentrations were similar to those from other studies from remote rural areas but comparisons of blood lead were not possible in the absence of previous data. Blood lead in other studies could be calculated from the ratios here reported.