Factors affecting strontium absorption in drownings

This study examines the effects of age, gender, a cold water medium versus warm water medium, and salinity on strontium levels determined in left ventricular blood in drownings. Significant differences in the amount of strontium absorbed into the bloodstream (p < 0.001) were detected between individuals who drowned in fresh water versus those drowning in seawater, and between those drowning in cold water versus warm water (p = 0.030). However, no significant differences were noted in the strontium concentrations of left ventricular blood according to gender or age. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.