Bioimaging of trace metals in ancient Chilean mummies and contemporary Egyptian teeth by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)

► Quantified bioimages of Pb in modern and ancient deciduous teeth were obtained. ► Li, Zn, and Pb distributions are heterogeneous in dental tissues (pulp≫dentine>enamel). ► Pb in Chilean mummies is an order of magnitude lower than contemporary teeth. ► Elevated Li in some Andean mummy tribes' teeth shows potential natural Li exposure. ► Zn accumulation in the crown indicates elevated prenatal exposure.