Multi-elemental analysis of human lung samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

The aim of this study was to establish concentrations of a wide range of elements in human lung samples to allow better identification of potential exposures in subsequent cases. This study reports concentrations of 48 elements (Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, Li, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ni, Os, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, Ru, Sb, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Ti, Tl, Tm, V, W, Y, Zn and Zr) in fresh lung tissue samples from 54 hospital patients, of which 93% exhibited various forms of neoplasia. The lung samples were taken from unaffected, background tissue. The samples were stored as fresh tissue in alcohol, dried and microwave digested before analysis by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was possible to establish 95th percentiles for all elements except for rhenium and for 40 elements mixed effects modelling was undertaken. Overall, the levels reported are commensurate with ranges for those elements that had been reported previously. The data were examined for gender, smoking and occupational exposures to metals. The results show that males have higher lung concentrations of Ni, Cr, Gd, Au and Be than females, but significantly lower lung concentrations of Co, Sn, W and In. Cadmium lung concentrations were significantly higher in smokers. Platinum lung concentrations were higher in those who had undergone chemotherapy and gadolinium concentrations were predictably high in those who had undergone imaging scans. More essential elements such as Cu, Br, Fe and also Ge varied the least within lung samples from individuals whilst Be, Hf and Pt had the greatest variances. Between individuals V and Li lung concentrations varied the most, whilst Cu varied least. Analysis of the data for those who reported as having previously worked with metals showed 24 of the 48 elements determined were higher than those from those who had not reported working with metals.