Levels of metals in hair of young children as an indicator of environmental pollution

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(86)80109-8· OSTI ID:5088319

Wibowo, A A; Herber, R F; Das, H A; Roeleveld, N; Zielhuis, R L

In 1982 the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) were determined in hair of 231 four- to five-year-old children. The objective was to explore the feasibility of using metal-in-hair levels in groups of children as an indicator of environmental pollution. The study was carried out in four areas, which were assumed to differ in ambient pollution by metals. A questionnaire on personal data, socioeconomic status, intake of beverages, and life-style was completed by the parents. The metal-in-hair levels covered a large range. The variables pertaining to location together with sex, presence of a garden, and drinking of coffee and/or tea explained 32% of the variance of Pb, 24% of the variance of Cd, and 21% of the variance of V. The total variance explained by all measured questionnaire items was at best 38%. The location was the most important factor. Cu and Se levels did not differ between the locations.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• OSTI ID: 5088319
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Vol. 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CADMIUM
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
COPPER
HAIR
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
LEAD
SELENIUM
VANADIUM
CHILDREN
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
AGE GROUPS
BODY
ELEMENTS
METALS
ORGANS
SEMIMETALS
SKIN
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)