Review of Trace Elements in Blood, Serum and Urine for the Czech and Slovak Populations and Critical Evaluation of their Possible Use as Reference Values

Abstract

The availability of accurate trace element refeence values in human tissues represents an important indicator to the health status of the general population and occupational groups exposed to trace elements. The EURO TERVIHT project (Trace element Reference values in Human Tissues) aims to established and compare trace element reference values in tissues from inhabitants of the European countries as baseline values for clinical/toxicological assessment studies. In this context, one of the first steps considered is the critical evaluation (state of the art) of existing literature on trace element reference values in blood, serum and urine in the general populations of each European country. This paper reviews the Czech and Slovak situation by assessing studies carried out in these countries for Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Mn, Hg, Ni, Pb, Rh, Sc, Se, V and Zn in blood, serum and urine.