Selected urinary metal reference concentrations of the Viennese population – urinary metal reference values (Vienna)

Reference concentrations of metals are the basis for risk assessment studies and for estimation of type and magnitude of environmental and occupational exposure. Urine is often used as a specimen for monitoring studies, as it plays an important role in the elimination of various substances from the body and in addition it can be collected easily. Therefore, the urinary levels of seven trace elements (Al, Co, Cr, Mo, Nb, Ni, Ti) were determined by atomic spectrometric methods (ICP-MS and GFAAS) in 100 urine samples of the Viennese population. The obtained creatinine adjusted concentrations (medians) are in μg/g 6.1, 1.5, 1.1, 46.2, 0.4, 0.1, and 8.0 for Al, Co, Cr, Mo, Nb, Ni, and Ti, respectively.