BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF PIXE

Abstract

This paper reviews the work carried out in a wide variety of scientific programmes with particular reference to broad beam PIXE and elemental mapping. The paper is illustrated with results from studies in Biomonitoring, Environmental Health and Human Diseases. In mammals and especially in humans, pollutants can be inhaled, ingested or contact mucosa and skin and be internalized, eventually entering the circulation and accumulating in tissues. Persistent exposure to environmental contaminants is known to cause pathologies that become chronic and debilitating. Human diseases often influence the amount of essential trace element in tissues and organs. Thus, organic fluids, organs and tissues, when accessible, may give significant data on the individual physiological status. Relating clinical, functional and morphological changes with variations in the elemental contents and other biochemical indicators, can significantly contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease and toxicity risks of certain pollutants.