In 25 random autopsies, chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in lung tissue and regional lymph nodes were analysed by means of flameless atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The subjects originate from Bochum in the Ruhr District, which is defined as a particular pollution area with locally high Cr and Ni emissions. The subjects examined from Bochum (BO) and vicinity have Cr and Ni concentrations about 5 and 6 times higher than those in a previous series form Münster (MS) and vicinity (outside the particular pollution area), which is used for comparison purposes. BO and MS data showed an age-dependent increase of chromium and nickel in the lung, and in both data sets as well as in the combined, the Cr and Ni values showed extremely high correlations (r greater than 0.9). The Cr and Ni concentrations (BO) in lung (3.47 +/- 2.53 micrograms Cr/g, 1.09 +/- 1.43 micrograms Ni/g dry weight) and lymph node tissue (6.30 +/- 3.72 micrograms Cr/g, 1.00 +/- 0.58 micrograms Ni/g dry weight) do not show any correlation. The BO data contained four cases of bronchial carcinoma (all male), three of which showed pulmonary Cr and Ni concentrations that lie clearly above the predicted level. One case of bronchial carcinoma had extremely high Cr and Ni values; an occupational exposure as dental laboratory technician is taken into consideration.

In random autopsies chromium (n = 23) and nickel (n = 16) together with various other metals, were determined in lung tissue by means of flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. With increasing age a significant increase in concentration of both chromium and nickel was found. This is evaluated as an indicator for a corresponding exposure, which is marked by a local (workplace) and regional (environment) share of a clear increase in the total chromium/nickel load and by a life-long duration. The question arises, whether the selective concentration (long half-life) of the inhaled chromium and nickel particles/compounds in the lung are to be regarded as a stochastic lung cancer risk.

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