Determination of potentially toxic metals in human livers in New Zealand.

Ninety-six human liver samples from persons who died as a result of physical injuries in New Zealand have been analysed for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, silver, and zinc. The levels found were generally lower than those found in similar studies outside New Zealand. Cadmium and lead levels showed a positive correlation with age and there did not appear to be any major regional variations within New Zealand.