Analysis of heavy metal contents in gray and white MTA and 2 kinds of Portland cement: a preliminary study

Objective. The levels of 10 heavy metals (arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc) in gray Portland cement (GPC), white Portland cement (WPC), gray MTA (GMTA), and white MTA (WMTA) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Study design. One gram of each material was digested with 80 degrees C aqua-regia (7 mL of 60% HNO3 and 21 mL of 35% HCl), filtered, and analyzed by ICP-AES. The analysis was performed 6 times and the data were analyzed statistically. Results. Arsenic and lead concentrations were the highest in GPC (P < .05). GPC had much more of 7 heavy metals than the other 3 cements (P < .05). GMTA and WMTA had higher purity than GPC and WPC (P < .05), particularly when arsenic content was considered. Conclusion. If a clinician is considering using Portland cement versus MTA, the differences in purity may be considered. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 642-646)