Apparent activation energies for the atomization of cadmium, copper, iron and lead from aqueous solutions and APDC-MIBK organic extracts have been derived from experimental data. Both the activation energies and atomization temperatures have been substantially decreased for organic extracts in pyrolytically-coated graphite tubes. In tungsten-impregnated graphite tubes have been observed a delay of analyte peaks and thermal stabilization effect. There has been a levelling effect of the W-modified atomizer surface on the apparent activation energies in both solvents. Employing W-impregnated tubes, lower atomization temperatures and peak-area calibration in analyses of organic solvents and extracts has been recommended.