CADMIUM, COPPER, LEAD AND ZINC CONCENTRATIONS IN HAIR AND TOENAILS OFYOUNG-CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS - A FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

In a follow-up study concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc (measured by atomic absorption spectrometry) in scalp hair and toenail clippings of 47 children (5-9 years) were compared with previous valu es (2 years earlier). Family members were also monitored. Twenty-five of the children selected have had either high hair values of Cd, Cu, P b or low hair Zn concentrations or combinations of these (group A) in the first study. Control group comprised 22 children (B). At the follo w-up study, there were no more differences between group A and B. Betw een the first and follow-up study Cd and Pb levels in hair and toenail s of group A children declined (geometric means; hair Cd: 265 vs. 111 ng/g; hair Pb: 10.1 vs. 3.8 mug/g; toenail Cd: 720 vs. 335 ng/g; toena il Pb 18.5 vs. 5.8 mug/g) and hair Zn values increased (54 vs. 103 mug /g). Fathers of exposed children had more Cd and Pb in hair and toenai ls than fathers of control children (hair Cd: 88 vs. 48 ng/g; hair Pb: 4.4 vs. 1.3 mug/g; toenail Cd: 46 vs. 23 ng/g; toenail Pb: 1.3 vs. 0. 7 mug/g). No conclusive findings were obtained for Cu. With respect to heavy metal levels of mothers and brothers and sisters there was no u niform pattern. Children < 5 years of age are especially prone to high er Cd, Pb exposure and to lower Zn status compared with older children .