Notes On Individual Trace Elements
Arsenic: (1) for acute poisoning both blood and urine should be analysed. (2) For suspected chronic exposure and occupational monitoring urine is the specimen of choice. In the case of occupational monitoring, sampling should be carried out at the end of the working week.
Cadmium: (1) Blood is the first-choice matrix. Urinary Cd is not usually measured unless blood Cd is elevated. (2) Smokers tend to have raised Cd concentrations.
Lead: (1) Blood Lead is the best index of exposure in cases of acute and chronic poisoning from, and occupational and environmental exposure to inorganic Pb.
(2) Occupational exposure to organic Lead is best monitored by assessing urinary Pb.
The metabolism and distribution of organic Pb differ markedly from the inorganic form and urine is the matrix of choice. It is of no value in monitoring exposure to inorganic Pb except when chelation therapy is being assessed.
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