Measurements of Manganese with Respect to Calcium in Histological Enamel Cross Sections: Toward a New Manganese Biomarker

Airborne Mn may become an important route of exposure if the use of Mn-containing gasoline additives becomes more widespread. We report on the measurement of manganese and calcium in histological cross sections of shed deciduous tooth enamel of three human subjects. The goal of this research was to measure Mn in tooth enamel for use as a biomarker in assessing manganese exposure in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. The histological locations can be time-specific (analogous to examining growth rings in trees). This technique, which may identify critical windows of exposure, can be important for evaluating potential vulnerability of the fetus and neonate to inhaled or ingested Mn.