Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and trace metals in the cementum rings of human teeth

Ronald R Martin; Steven J Naftel; Andrew J Nelson; Andrea B Feilen; Alfredo Narvaez

doi:10.1039/b408525f

Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and trace metals in the cementum rings of human teeth

J Environ Monit. 2004 Oct;6(10):783-6. doi: 10.1039/b408525f. Epub 2004 Sep 16.

Authors

Ronald R Martin¹, Steven J Naftel, Andrew J Nelson, Andrea B Feilen, Alfredo Narvaez

Affiliation

¹ Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.

PMID: 15480490
DOI: 10.1039/b408525f

Abstract

Synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence has been used to study differences in the trace element concentration between the dentine and cementum rings of human teeth. The results show that metals such as zinc are concentrated in the cementum rings. This suggests that if the rings are deposited annually a temporal record of metal exposure may be extracted from this material.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Adult
Bromine / analysis*
Calcium / analysis
Dental Cementum / chemistry*
Environmental Monitoring
Female
Humans
Metals / analysis*
Mummies
Peru
Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / methods*
Strontium / analysis
Synchrotrons
Tooth / chemistry*

Substances

Metals
Bromine
Calcium
Strontium