Copper and cadmium levels in hairs and nails; an indicator of heavy metal pollution

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 and 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 and 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 and 99.34 +/- 7.81microg/ gm respectively] compared with control [80.76 +/- 7.81and 77.65 +/- 2.48]. Similarly significantly [p< 0.001] raised Cadmium levels were found in subjects [hairs 143.57 +/- 62.03and nails 104.71 +/- 74.52] compared with control [89.20 +/- 12.98 and 77.54 +/- 12.32]. Highly significant [p< 0.001] raised values of Cd and Cu indicate that hairs and nails concentration may indicate heavy metals pollution and it can be easy sampling test for screening of pollution about heavy metal exposure

Heavy metal exposure; jewelers and automobile workers

There are various metals that concern us because of occupational of residential exposure. Majority of these are heavy metals. Small amount of these elements are common in environment and diet that are actually necessary for good health but large amount of any of them may cause acute or chronic toxicity. Historical association and provocative findings of blood Cu and Cd levels at short and long term Cu and Cd exposure shows Cu and Cd pollution. A study was carried out to determine the blood metals levels. In this study 44 samples were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometer A 1800 Hitachi Japan. Whole blood cadmium levels found in jewelers, automobile workers were 398 +/- 183pg/100ml, 768 +/- 180pg/100ml respectively. Whole blood copper levels in jewelers, automobile workers were 710 +/- 139mcg/100ml, 746 +/- 89mcg/100ml. The control subjects were not occupationally exposed and healthy appearances have Cu and Cd levels 641 +/- 45mcg/100ml, 353 +/- 190mcg/100ml respectively. Copper levels were significantly raised [P < 0.05] in automobile workers compared with control. On the other hand Cd levels although raised but not significant. Results show that our control subjects have raised Cu and Cd levels when compared with WHO criteria 160-270mcg/100ml and 160-220mcg/100ml respectively