[Trace-element concentration in the human placenta in a strong contaminated environment (author's transl)].

By means of NAA the content of trace elements in human placentae from a strong contaminated environment (Essen) was determinated and compared with former results from Bavaria. The data show highly significant elevation of the concentration of Cd, Cr, La and Br in Essen, which counts for the industrial waste of this region. In contrast the element As is highly increased in placentae from the rural Bavarian districts. This may be caused by the wide spread application of plant protective insecticides in the past.