Relationship between trace element concentrations in human blood and atmospheric aerosol. 1983

W John

Trace element concentrations in human blood from the U.K., measured by Hamilton et al., are found to be correlated to those of atmospheric aerosol from the U.K., or to an aerosol composition averaged over the globe. The correlation to aerosol is much stronger than to crustal rock or sea water. Elemental enrichment factors for blood are all equal to or greater than those for aerosol. Two possible reasons for the correlation are advanced: aerosol is probably a major source of the trace elements which enter the food chain, and aerosol samples the earth's surface where the food chain originates. The present finding suggests that aerosol plays a major role in the global cycling of the trace elements which enter the blood, with important implications for human health.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008168 Lung Either of the pair of organs occupying the cavity of the thorax that effect the aeration of the blood. Lungs
D008198 Lymph Nodes They are oval or bean shaped bodies (1 - 30 mm in diameter) located along the lymphatic system. Lymph Node,Node, Lymph,Nodes, Lymph
D006113 United Kingdom Country in northwestern Europe including Great Britain and the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland, located between the North Sea and north Atlantic Ocean. The capital is London. Great Britain,Isle of Man
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000336 Aerosols Colloids with a gaseous dispersing phase and either liquid (fog) or solid (smoke) dispersed phase; used in fumigation or in inhalation therapy; may contain propellant agents. Aerosol
D000388 Air The mixture of gases present in the earth's atmosphere consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases.
D012623 Seawater The salinated water of OCEANS AND SEAS that provides habitat for marine organisms. Sea Water,Sea Waters,Seawaters,Water, Sea,Waters, Sea
D012987 Soil The unconsolidated mineral or organic matter on the surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants. Peat,Humus,Soils
D014131 Trace Elements A group of chemical elements that are needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of an organism. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Biometal,Biometals,Trace Element,Trace Mineral,Trace Minerals,Element, Trace,Elements, Trace,Mineral, Trace,Minerals, Trace

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