Trace element levels in whole blood samples from residents of the city Badajoz, Spain

Copper, lead, cadmium, and zinc were determined by anodic stripping voltammetry after sample digestion and potentiometric stripping analysis was used for Pb and Cd determination in original samples. Selenium was determined by cathodic stripping voltammetry or hydride generation AAS. Element levels found in the whole blood sample in a group of 82 people are for Cd: 0.98±0.94 ng/ml; for Pb: 46.7±28.6 ng/ml; for Cu: 1.07±0.12 μg/ml; for Zn: 6.95±1.08 μg/ml, and for Se: 116±25 ng/ml. Analytical data have been correlated to age, sex, smokers or non-smokers, drinking and food habits.