New horizons for x-ray fluorescence in trace element detection

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Lead and arsenic are toxic elements which are encountered in daily life. Serious health effects may result from chronic exposure to even moderate levels of these elements. The objectives of the proposed research relate to the development of novel x-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques to detect lead and arsenic, and to uncover how these elements distribute in the body. Specifically, the objectives include the use of XRF in the following interrelated themes of research: (1) the development of a transformative new miniature x-ray tube XRF approach to assess exposure to trace elements at environmental levels; (2) the use of a new synchrotron radiation microprobe to discover the nature of arsenic in human skin; and (3) the use of the highest precision bone lead system in the world to better understand the critical issue of lead kinetics.