Determination of thallium in biological samples

Das, Arabinda; Chakraborty, Ruma; Cervera, M. Luisa; Guárdia, Miguel de la

doi:10.1007/s00216-006-0411-8

Cited by 46 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Currently used methods include molecular spectrophotometry and spectrofluorimetry, mass spectrometry (MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), voltammetry, neutron activation analysis (NAA), X-ray fl uorimetry, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV), and graphite furnace atomic emission spectrometry (GFAAS) (2)(3)(4).…”

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confidence: 99%

Thallium Toxicity in Humans

Cvjetko

Pavlica

2010

Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology

166

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Thallium is a naturally occurring trace element, widely distributed in the earth's crust, but at very low concentrations. It does not have a known biological use and does not appear to be an essential element for life. It has been considered one of the most toxic heavy metals. Occasionally, there are reports on thallium poisoning as results of suicide or murder attempt or accident. The main threat to humans is through occupational exposure, environmental contamination, and accumulation in food, mainly in vegetables grown on contaminated soil. Increasing use in emerging new technologies and demanding high-tech industry constantly raise concern about exposure risk to all living organisms. Thallium is considered a cumulative poison that can cause adverse health effects and degenerative changes in many organs. The effects are the most severe in the nervous system. The exact mechanism of thallium toxicity still remains unknown, although impaired glutathione metabolism, oxidative stress, and disruption of potassium-regulated homeostasis may play a role. The lack of data about mutagenic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic effects of thallium compounds in humans calls for further research.

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confidence: 99%

Thallium Toxicity in Humans

Cvjetko

Pavlica

2010

Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology

166

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“…Thallium rapidly enters the bloodstream and is transported across the whole organism, which leads to its accumulation in bones, kidneys, and the nervous system. Subsequent analysis has indicated that thallium preferentially distributes in nails, bones, and hair, but it can also accumulate in kidneys, liver, and the brain [35]. The presence of thallium disrupts the functioning of several enzymes at the cellular level and causes damage at the tissue level, which results in ulcers, alopecia, and polyneuropathy.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determining Thallium in a Commercial Tobacco Brand Available in Poland

Karbowska¹,

Zembrzuski²

2016

Pol. J. Environ. Stud.

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It is estimated that approximately 10 million cigarettes are smoked every minute in the world and that the number of smokers is now about 1.3 billion people [1]. The health hazards associated with smoking tobacco are mainly caused by the presence of numerous chemical compounds. To date, more than 4,000 different chemicals (including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, and aromatic hydrocarbons) have been isolated from tobacco [2]. These substances also include heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which are mainly absorbed from the soil and accumulate in leaves. It is believed that the presence of heavy metals in cigarette smoke may be responsible for the loss of health in active and passive smokers. Moreover, exposure to heavy metals associated with smoking is often correlated with cancer incidence and mortality [3][4][5]. Studies show that metal concentrations are higher in pulmonary tissues of lung cancer cases than controls [6].Recent studies have confirmed that, aside from other heavy metals, tobacco may also contain thallium [7]. Thallium is considered to be severely toxic for humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms [8]. It is absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, spreads rapidly in the body, and accumulates in bones, kidneys, and throughout the central nervous system [9]. The toxic effect of thallium is caused by its similarity to the potassium (I) ion, which results in potassium-associated metabolic process disorders [10]. The toxicity of this element is higher compared to mercury, cadmium, and lead (maximum admissible concentration at 0.1 mg/ml) [8]. It is believed that the maximum dose of thallium should not exceed 15 micrograms, and the LD 50 for humans is 8-12 mgTl×kg -1 [11][12]. A high dose of thallium received over a short period of time may even lead to death. Diagnosis of thallium poisoning is very complicated, therefore its confirmation requires chemical analysis. The symptoms of thallium poisoning in the case of exceeding the maximum permissible doses are: vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and disturbance in the functioning of the nervous system, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys.Pol. J. Environ. Stud. Vol. 25, No. 5 (2016) AbstractThis study focused on determining thallium content in tobacco samples collected from a commercial cigarette brand commonly available in Poland (manufactured by Philip Morris). The samples were analyzed with the use of differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) coupled with a flow injection analysis (FIA) system. The obtained results confirmed that thallium was present in the studied tobacco samples (average content at 0.0089 ±0.0012µg/g). These findings suggest that cigarette smokers in Poland may be exposed to the toxic effects of thallium-based compounds present in tobacco.

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“…Thus, only sensitive analytical methods could be applied for blood thallium determination below the intoxication level (<8 μg/L), such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) [16][17][18][19][20], voltammetry [9,21,22], and neutron activation analysis [9,23,24]. Atomic absorption spectrometry is a conventional method of trace element determination for clinical purposes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In extreme cases, alopecia, blindness, and even death may be caused [8]. The Environmental Protection Agency categorized thallium as a priority pollutant because of its high toxicity [9]. The most anthropogenic sources of thallium are emissions and solid wastes from coal combustion and ferrous and non-ferrous smelting as thallium is a constituent of coal and many sulfide ores [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Whole Blood Thallium Determination by GFAAS with High-Frequency Modulation Polarization Zeeman Effect Background Correction

Solovyev

Ivanenko

Ivanenko³

2010

Biol Trace Elem Res

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A new technique of blood thallium direct determination based on graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background absorption correction system was designed. The developed technique does not require sample digestion. Sample treatment includes only a fivefold per volume dilution of blood sample with 0.1% (m/v) Triton X-100. L'vov integrated platform was modified with 400 μg of Rh. Matrix modifier (200 μg NH(4)NO(3) and 160 μg Pd(NO(3))(2)) was suggested for coping chloride and blood organic matter interferences. Standard reference material (Clincheck® Plasma Control for trace elements) analysis was used for validation. Additional validation was performed by analyzing spiked blood samples in the whole dynamic range. The dynamic range was 2-50 μg/L. Precision (RSD) was found <12%. Blood thallium limit of detection was 0.2 μg/L.

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Determination of thallium in biological samples

Cited by 46 publications

References 31 publications

Thallium Toxicity in Humans

Thallium Toxicity in Humans

Determining Thallium in a Commercial Tobacco Brand Available in Poland

Whole Blood Thallium Determination by GFAAS with High-Frequency Modulation Polarization Zeeman Effect Background Correction

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