Determination of cadmium and lead levels in human blood of a general Czech population by GFAAS

The development of a method for the direct determination of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in blood samples by GFAAS, is described. Samples were properly diluted by a matrix modifier to enable measuring both analytes in one solution. For the determination of Cd, a matrix-matched, and for the determination of Pb, an aqueous calibration was used. The precision, accuracy, and detection Limits of this method are presented. A method is applied to the investigation of Cd and Pb levels in a general Czech population, selected according to the WHO-MONICA project criteria. To avoid possible contaminations, samples were treated in a clean room class 100.