ELEMENT REFERENCE VALUES IN TISSUES FROM INHABITANTS OF THE EUROPEAN-COMMUNITY .6. REVIEW OF ELEMENTS IN BLOOD, PLASMA AND URINE AND A CRITICAL-EVALUATION OF REFERENCE VALUES FOR THE UNITED-KINGDOM POPULATION

Reference values for the concentration of elements in whole blood for the UK population are presented together with estimates for concentrat ions in plasma and urine. The blood data, when compared with other val ues obtained for Belgium, Denmark and Italy, obtained through the EURO -Terviht programme of the European Union, together with data from othe r countries, indicate similar concentrations. The data provide a basis for identifying the expected levels for the non-occupational exposed population against which differences attributable to various states of well-being, morbidity and mortality can be evaluated. However, it is also apparent that significant differences do exist which are related to geography and diet. In order to consider these differences, further improvements in the determination of elements in human tissues and fl uids are required. Particular attention should be paid to that proport ion of an element in the environment which is bioavailable together wi th its toxicity.