Organs from 40 cadavers, ranging in age from 1 to 90 years, were analyzed for lead and mercury using the atomic absorption technique. The results show no overall elevated trends in lead and mercury content of human tissues from persons in Northeastern Colorado, USA. The data, when compared with values obtained from autopsy specimens taken 60 years ago, suggest a sharp drop in mercury content of most human organs over that period of time. In general, lead in bone increases with age. Lead in kidney, liver, and muscle decreases with age. Mercury in bone is usually quite low. Mercury in kidney increases with age; in muscle it remains the same; in liver there is only a suggestion of increase with age.
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