Neutron Activation Analysis of Aluminum in Postmortem Human Lung Tissue

Abstract

Neutron activation analysis was used to assay trace quantities of aluminum in postmortem human lung tissue samples. Dried accurately weighed lung tissue samples were activated in a 3.3 x 1()13 neutrons/cm2/sec thermal neutron flux and analyzed using a lithiumdrifted germanium detector and 4096 channel gamma spectrophotometer. The 1778 kcv gamma photon emitted by Al28 was quantified using the comparator technique with highly purified aluminum cyclohexane butyrate as the Al standard. The aluminum content of human lung tissue was shown not to be related to occupational exposure to industrial fiberglass. Residents of Akron, Ohio, were shown to have significantly higher concentrations of aluminum in their lungs than do residents of Newark, Ohio. A set of normal concentrations for aluminum in postmortem human lung tissue was developed, based on neutron activation analysis. The relative simplicity, accuracy, and precision of this technique suggest its use in further studies of this type.