Risk for neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease and residual aluminum in municipal drinking water employing weighted residential histories.

We investigated a possible relation between aluminum concentration ([Al]) in public drinking water and Alzheimer's disease (AD), with AD cases and controls defined on the basis of strict neuropathologic criteria. Using the case/control odds ratio as an estimate of relative risk and [Al] > or = 100 microgram/L as the cutoff point, elevated risks for histopathologically verified AD were associated with higher [Al]. Comparing all AD cases with all non-AD controls, and using the [Al] of public drinking water at last residence before death as the measure of exposure, the estimated relative risk associated with [Al] > or = 100 microgram/L was 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2-2.5). Estimating aluminum exposure from a 10-year weighted residential history resulted in estimates of relative risk of 2.5 or greater. The public health implications of the observed relationship between [Al] in drinking water and AD prevalence in the population depend in large measure on population exposure characteristics. In Ontario, it is estimated that 19% of the population was exposed to residual [Al] greater than or equal to 100 microgram/L. Based on the estimated relative risk and the assumption of causality, this translates to an etiologic fraction of 0.23. Although the potential contributions of confounding and mitigating factors are not defined in this report, the merit of limiting residual aluminum in drinking water supplies deserves serious attention.

Instrumental comparison for the determination of cadmium and lead in calcium supplements and other calcium-rich matrices.

Three brands of Ca supplement, a laboratory-reagent grade CaCO3 and a certified reference material (International Atomic Energy Agency H-5 Animal Bone) wee analysed for Cd and Pb by four different analytical techniques, viz., anodic stripping voltammetry inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The Pb levels measured by the four techniques in the bone powder were within the certified Pb level in this certified reference material. Similarly, no significant differences [p less than 0.05; analysis of variance (ANOVA)] were observed in samples with Pb concentrations greater than 1 microgram g-1. However, the Pb levels in the laboratory-reagent grade CaCO3 obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (0.79 micrograms g-1) averaged about three times higher than those measured by the other three techniques (i.e., 0.25 micrograms g-1). Although no significant differences (p less than 0.05; ANOVA) in Cd levels were observed within any of the samples (intra-sample variability), the Cd concentration measured in the different Ca supplements (inter-sample variability) varied by three orders of magnitude (ranging from 0.07 to 3.59 micrograms g-1).

Characterization and optimization of HPIC for on-line preconcentration of trace metals with detection by ICP-mass spectrometry.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a commercially available cation-exchange column for trace metal preconcentration. In addition, the advantages of interfacing the column to a highly sensitive element-selective detector were examined. A high-performance ion-chromatograph (HPIC) with a high-pressure pump and valve system was used to aid loading and delivery of the mobile phase. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer combination (ICP-MS) was used as a detection device, with interfacing by means of a small diameter liquid-transport tube. The performance of the HPIC/ICP-MS combination was optimized by varying the concentration and flow-rate of two eluents (nitric acid and hydrochloric acid). The effects of varying the sample pH were assessed and the column capacity was determined by "breakthrough" tests. The elements copper, cadmium, mercury and lead were studied; the detection capability was dependent upon the sample volume loaded onto the column. The accuracy of the method was assessed by analysis of an "in house" reference standard.