Trace element evaluation of different varieties of chewing gum by radiochemical neutron activation analysis

Extensive use of chewing gums, by children in particular, entails the evalu ation of trace element contents in them. Radiochemical neutron activation a nalysis (RNAA) was successfully employed to determine the concentration of 35 trace elements (essential, toxic and nonessential) in eight different br ands of chewing gum generally consumed in Rawalpindi/Islamabad area. Compar ison of trace element data of our work with literature has been presented. None of the elements detected in the brands of chewing gum examined was fou nd to be present at a level representing a substantial contribution to the total dietary intake of the element.