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

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 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