Distribution of stable elements in human body in Japan

The distribution of stable elements in human body in Japan is being investigated in the light of importance and scarcity of data, as a main part of the research program on the intake and distribution of elements in ''Standard or Reference Japanese'' with respect to the estimation of internal radiation due to artificial radionuclides released to the environment. The collection of autopsy samples and the development of methods for pre-treatment and chemical analysis were carried out with an emphasis on establishing a highly reliable trace analysis system. A method for the disinfection of tissues by a vacuum heating drier, a new isotope dilution-atomic absorption technique and a preliminary application of a contamination-free clean bench was established. Secondary biological standard materials of Bovine liver, kidney and muscle were prepared and partly characterized which are to be used for interlaboratory comparison of analytical results of trace elements. An introduction of the energy dispersion X-ray fluorescence analysis was proved to be useful as a method of simultaneous multi-element analysis of tissues and diet. During the remaining period of the project intensive analytical work is planned under the chemically clean environment which is scheduled to be installed in 1976. (auth.)