A REVIEW OF RADIOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT TRACE-ELEMENTS IN HUMAN BONES

The authors recently compiled and reviewed the literature for minor an d trace elements in human : bones and teeth as a part of an Internatio nal Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) study. Various aspects of elemental co mposition, analytical methodologies, quality assurance and quality con trol methods for hard tissue analysis were evaluated. Important data o n selected radiologically important elements (Cs, Pu, Ra, Sr, Th and U ) in calcified tissue from Various countries are discussed. The result s of this compilation study suggest a need for new reference materials with matrix properties similar to bones including one with separated cortical and trabecular segments. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.