INSTRUMENTAL NEUTRON-ACTIVATION ANALYSIS OF THE HAIR OF METALLURGICALWORKERS

Hair samples were collected from 20 metallurgical workers (10 males an d 10 females) and from 59 control subjects (32 males and 27 females), whose jobs do not indicate a specific occupational exposure. The conce ntrations of ten minor and trace elements (Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, Se, V and Zn) were determined by instrumental neutron activation anal ysis (INAA). The statistical data distributions, the sex and age influ ences in these elemental concentrations and the average values obtaine d for the control group were compared with published data. The effect of occupational exposure to the metallic elements was reflected in ele mental composition of hair by significant higher concentration levels of Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, V and Zn in the hair of the exposed gro up, when compared with the control group.