Cadmium and lead concentrations at low mu g/liter levels were determined in blood reference samples using simultaneous graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with acceptable accuracy. Use of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate allowed an elevated ashing temperature of 600 degrees C to be used, which allowed the blood matrix to be removed without loss of cadmium and lead. The ability to determine two elements simultaneously offers a reduced analysis time. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.