COPPER AND CADMIUM LEVELS IN HAIRS & NAILS;
An indicator of heavy metal pollution.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2013.20.02.626Keywords:
Cu & Cd,, hair, nail, heavy metal pollution,, screening test.Abstract
Heavy metals ingested or inhaled can affect liver, Brain, Bone and lungs. Raised copper and cadmium levels have been
seen in ischemic heart disease. A level of trace elements varies in blood among population. In this study Copper & Cadmium levels were
determined in hairs and nails; easy to sample and store. Purpose of this study is to find out relationships with heavy metals pollution and
try to develop as a screening test. Such work is not yet done in our population. 86 male subjects and 20 controls (male) were selected for
determination of Cu & Cad concentrations in hairs and nails. Medical history was noted. 3-4 fingernails and 1 tbsp of hair cut from the
nape of neck close to root were obtained. Samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Highly significant (p< 0.001)
raised copper levels were seen in hairs and nails of subjects (110.79+26.01 & 99.34 + 7.81μg/gm respectively) compared with control
(80.76+ 7.81& 77.65+ 2.48). Similarly significantly (p< 0.001) raised Cadmium levels were found in subjects (hairs 143.57+62.03&
nails 104.71+74.52) compared with control (89.20+ 12.98 & 77.54+ 12.32). Highly significant (p< 0.001) raised values of Cd & Cu
indicate that hairs and nails concentration may indicate heavy metals pollution & it can be easy sampling test for screening of pollution
about heavy metal exposure.
