Normal values for arsenic and selenium concentrations in human lung tissue

Normal values and ranges were determined for arsenic and selenium concentrations in lung and hilus tissue. The study group consisted of 50 deceased persons, who were examined by autopsy at the Institute for Pathology of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Taking into consideration topographic-anatomical criteria, samples were taken of each lung lobe and the hilar lymph nodes. The dried tissue was analyzed using by means of hydride atomic absorption spectrometry after wet-oxidative digestion. Normal values ranged for the arsenic concentrations from < 1-74 ng/g dry weight and for the selenium concentrations from <3-574 ng/g dry weight. Arsenic was found to accumulate in the hilus tissue, whereas selenium did not. Considerable intraindividual and interindividual variation was found for both arsenic and selenium. There were no statistically significant differences regarding age, smoking habits, and lung diseases. Lung tissue samples from three deceased persons from Houston, Texas, contained lower arsenic concentrations and somewhat higher levels of selenium compared to the German autopsies; these levels were. however, still within the indicated normal ranges. The following conclusions can be drawn from the results available at present: Intraindividual and interindividual variation is high for the arsenic and selenium concentrations in human lung tissue, so that only relatively wide normal ranges can be given for the general population. Smoking habits, age, and lung diseases do not seem to affect the indicated normal ranges. Postmortem determination of arsenic and selenium concentrations in human lung tissue can provide important information on former occupational or environmental exposure.