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Thirty-five permanent teeth were analyzed for lead by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The lead level in the dentine of gastrointestinal ulcer patients, even long after recovery, was significantly higher than that of healthy people (75.02 +/- 8.15 and 25.62 +/- 10.15 ppm, respectively; P less than 0.001). Presumably, massive absorption is possible due to damage to the epithelial mucosal cells of the gastrointestinal tract. In polluted areas, ulcer patients will suffer considerably more than non-ulcerous patients. Moreover, if the same lead level is found in the bones, there is a possible risk that, in elderly people or in patients suffering from osteoporosis, lead will be discharged into the blood and cause lead intoxication.