Instrumental neutron activation analysis of the hair of metallurgical workers

Hair samples were collected from 20 metallurgical workers (10 males and 10 females) and from 59 control subjects (32 males and 27 females), whose jobs do not indicate a specific occupational exposure. The concentrations of ten minor and trace elements (Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, Se, V and Zn) were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The statistical data distributions, the sex and age influences in these elemental concentrations and the average values obtained for the control group were compared with published data. The effect of occupational exposure to the metallic elements was reflected in elemental 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 group, when compared with the control group.     

Factorial discriminant analysis of occupational exposure in metallurgy using INAA of hair samples

A multivariate statistical technique-factoral discriminant analysis (FDA)-has been used to evaluate the occupational esposure of a group of metallurgy workers using the elemental composition of their scalp hair, as compared with a control group. The initial variables were the concentrations of ten minor and trace elements Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, Se, V, and Zn determined in hair samples by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). A good discrimination between exposed and control subjects has been achieved after the normalization of the data (by log-transforming the initial variables) and considering sex-matched groups. To measure the accuracy of the classification and the predictive ability a cross-validation procedure was used.     

Hair as a bio-indicator: Limitations and complications in the interpretation of results

As part of a larger occupational exposure study in which the concentrations of 18 elements were measured in head hair and toenail collected from steel plant workers, a number of factors associated with interpreting the data obtained were examined. In this paper, some of the limitations and complications associated with hair and nail analysis that were thereby recognised are discussed. Data obtained from the occupational study demonstrated the potential for misinterpreting hair or nail analysis data either through describing results averaged over a group by arithmetic instead of geometric means or through not accounting for the age range of subjects in groups to be compared. Examples that arose from the study indicated that differences between hair from the same subjects grown at different times can both complicate and assist in interpreting hair analysis results. In an investigation into the addition and removal of metallic powders, it was found that both hair and nail can directly incorporate elements through contact with dust.     

Hair as a monitor for environmental pollution

Variations in concentration of elements with different washing methods of hair-EDTA Method and Acetone Method-and different lead work employees (lead processing workers and lead glass-making workers) were studied by nondestructive neutron activation analysis. The EDTA Method removed not only the external, elements bound by surface adhesion but also the internal elements, such as Mg and Ca, existing in hair. With the Acetone Method, Zn, As and Sb concentrations in hair of lead processing workers show very high values (>2) and Cd and Co concentrations in hair of both groups show high values (1<<2), except for Pb. This suggests the effect of environmental pollution in that factory.     

Study of occupational health impact of atmospheric pollution on exposed workers at an iron and steel complex by using neutron activation analysis of scalp hair

The occupational health impact of atmospheric pollution on exposed workers at one iron and steel complex was studied by instrumental neutron activation analysis of workers' hair samples and medical examination. The experimental results indicate that there is a positive correlation between the high inhalation amounts of iron and other trace elements by the exposed workers and the symptom of their high blood pressure and hypoglycemia, which implies that the atmospheric environment polluted by iron and steel industry has an adverse health impact on the exposed workers. The measures to relieve and abate the occupational diseases caused by air-borne particulate matter should be taken     

Determination of antimony in nail and hair by thermal neutron activation analysis

The concentration of antimony in nail and hair was determined by thermal neutron activation analysis. Samples were collected from the workers of an antimony refinery, inhabitants near the refinery, and residents in control area. They were irradiated by Kyoto University 5 000 kW Reactor for 1 h, and cooled for 30 to 100 days. After cooling, the concentration of Sb in nail and hair was estimated by measuring the intensity of gamma-ray from 124Sb of the samples, then the samples were washed by 0.1% aqueous solution of nonionic surface active agent in an ultrasonic cleaner. The gamma-ray spectrometry was done again (after washing). The concentration of Sb in nail before washing was 730 ppm for the workers, 2.46 ppm for habitants near the refinery, and 0.19 ppm for the control; after washing, it became 230 ppm for the workers, 0.63 ppm for habitants, and 0.09 ppm for the control. The concentration of Sb in hair before and after washing was 222 ppm and 196 ppm for the workers, and 0.21 ppm and 0.15 ppm for the control, respectively.     

Biological monitoring of arsenic in semiconductor workers

In the manufacture of integrated circuits involving semiconductors, various hazardous materials including arsenic compounds are used. This paper present an evaluation of the biological monitoring of arsenic in the urine, blood and hair of semiconductor workers. Eighty-two blood samples were obtained from research and development workers in a semiconductor factory. Thirty-one samples of urine were obtained from the same group of worker before and after a work period (one shift). Seventy-three hair samples were similarly obtained from the workers. The concentration of arsenic in each sample was determined by arsine (AsH₃) generation flame atomic absorption spectrometry after wet ashing of the sample. The mean concentration of arsenic in hair in these semiconductor workers was significantly higher than that of controls. The mean concentration of arsenic in hair from workers with a longer employment duration was higher than from those with a shorter employment duration. The mean concentration of arsenic in hair from workers engaged in epitaxial growth processes was higher than from workers engaged in other processes. The concentrations of arsenic in hair from semiconductor workers correlated with the duration of their employment. The mean concentration of arsenic in urine before a work a period (shift) was not significantly different from that of controls. The mean concentration of arsenic in urine after a work period was in fact lower than that of controls. The mean concentration of arsenic in blood was not significantly different from that of controls. The determination of arsenic in hair is therefore considered useful for the evaluation of relatively long-term exposure to arsenic in semiconductor workers.     

Trace element exposure in man by instrumental neutron activation analysis of hair

A nondestructive instrumental neutron activation technique was used to analyze human hair samples collected from people living in metropolitan and rural areas in Korea. Samples were also collected from factory workers and cancer patients. Hair from metropolitan area residents contain higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, Br, Mn, I and S than rural area residents. Concentrations of I and S from cancer patients, Mg, Zn, Al, Na, Mn and As from glassware workers were relatively higher. The results show that the trace element concentrations of the hair are possibly related to the trace element concentrations in the body.     

微量元素在尘肺患病率不同电厂的比较研究

为了调查微量元素对电厂尘肺患病率（甲厂〉乙厂）的影响,分别用中子活化法和原子吸收法测定两电厂粉尘、排放水和职工头发中化学元素含量,用邻苯三酚自氧化法测定接尘人员血中ＳＯＤ,结果发现甲厂粉尘中Ｖ、Ｃｒ、Ｃｏ、Ｍｎ和稀土元素含量比乙厂高,有显著性意义;乙厂比甲厂高的元素有Ｚｎ、Ｓｅ、Ａｓ、Ｂａ,而Ｎｉ、Ｃｄ未见显著性差异。甲厂工业排放水中Ｃｒ电明显高于乙厂。提示Ｖ、Ｃｒ、Ｃｏ、Ｍｎ和稀土元素对尘肺的形     

Neutron activation analysis of neonate and maternal hair sampled in areas with different levels of pollution

Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been performed on human head hair of newborns and mothers sampled in two areas with a different level of environmental exposure. The group of neonates from the exposed area (polluted by thermal power plants burning brown coal and by chemical industry) has exhibited higher levels of several trace elements in hair, e.g. Se, Zn, Hg and Sb in comparison with the control group. Moreover, the mean concentrations of Se, Hg, Zn and Br in neonate hair have been found to be higher than in mothers hair. Although the study revealed statistically significant differences in the composition of neonate hair sampled in areas with different levels of environmental exposure, the differences are relatively small. Only a thorough long-term study both with environmental and medical observations can prove a direct connection of the elevated levels of some trace elements in neonate hair with the higher frequency of mental diseases of children living in the exposed area.     

A study of trace element concentrations in human hair of some local population in Malaysia

The content of the trace elements As, Br, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Sb and Zn has been evaluated in hair samples from selected population groups within Malaysia. Each population group was formed of individuals selected to be representative of the adult population living in a well-defined community. The groups were chosen from distinct regions with different socio-economical living habits in order to detect variability of the trace element burden among Malaysian. All the measurements were performed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis after the hair samples were carefully washed according to standard procedures. The results for all elements investigated do not differ significantly from reported values for other regions of the world. The levels of As, Hg, and Sb are significantly different for the various groups and is strongly linked to local environmental factors.     

Interlaboratory study of trace and other elements in the iaea powdered human hair reference material,HH-1

A powdered intercomparison material for trace element studies was prepared from human scalp hair and distributed to more than 100 laboratories of which 66 reported results for altogether more than 40 elements. By statistical evaluation of these data certified concentration values were derived for 20 elements, namely As, Au, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Sr and Zn. The data also made it possible to compare different methods of analysis and to judge the value of different levels of experience on the part of the analyst concerned; these comparisons are presented here with special reference to the elements As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sb.     

Radioactivation analysis of hair a means of biological monitoring of the environment

With the aim of indicating environmental pollution effects by heavy metals on humans using hair, nondestructive activation analysis was applied to 382 normal Japanese hair samples (background level). Elemental contents of hair could be determined for Ag, Al, As, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Ti, V and Zn. As these elements in hair have wide concentration ranges, the differences in concentrations distribution between groups (sex, age, permanent treatment and regional difference) are discussed. A method for hair sampling is presented.     

Trace elements in head hair of hemodialysis patients

Instrumental neutron activation analysis /INAA/ was applied to measure trace elements in head hair of 19 patients with impaired renal function /14 males and 5 females/ and of 40 normal individuals /20 males and 20 females/. It was the aim to use head hair as a possible indicator of total body trace elements status and to investigate whether significant changes occur as a result of chronic hemodialysis. The elemental concentrations of 20 elements /i.e. Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Ag, Cd, Sb, I and Au/ are presented and compared with published data. The present study revealed that the hair of the dialysis patients contained about ten times more iodine than that of the control group. No significant differences were observed for the other elements measured, except for sodium and antimony.     

Occupational exposure of goldsmith workers of the area of Rome to potentially toxic metals as monitored through hair analysis

In continuation of an investigation recently carried out to monitor through hair analysis the occupational exposure of goldsmith workers to potentially toxic elements, another study was performed to extend the same methodological approach to the goldsmiths of Rome. This research was part of the project P.R.O.Art. undertaken by the Italian National Research Council in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and the National Craftsmen's Federation with the purpose of supporting goldsmith activities and trade. Sampling of hair, washing and sample digestion followed well-established procedures. Silver, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, In, Ni, Pb and Pt were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), whereas Hg was analyzed using the flow injection mercury system (FIMS). On the other hand, the expected relatively high concentrations of Cu and Zn in hair allowed for the use of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Data obtained were statistically treated by applying the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test. A significant difference, at the level of P<0.05, between exposed and unexposed subjects in the Rome area was observed only for Au.     

Synthesis and photophysics of acridine derivatives

Highly fluorescent acridine derivatives were prepared by a multistep synthesis starting from 2-chlorobenzoic acid and the approapriate (aminophenyl)alkanoic acid by means of a modified Ullmann-Jourdan reaction followed by a cyclodehydration step, and by amination in the case of aminoacridine analogues. The obtained derivatives were subjected to photophysical studies (absorption and fluorescence). The compounds displayed interesting absorption behavior and high quantum yield of fluorescence. Acridine analogues bearing a free carboxylic group can serve as effective fluorescent probes in conformation analysis of peptides.Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Sobieskiego 18 80-952, Gdansk, Poland; e-mail: neta@chemik.chem.univ.gda.pl Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 7, pp. 914–921, July, 2000.     

Human hair as a marker of pollution by chemical elements emitted by a thermoelectric power plant

A preliminary study was undertaken to assess the risk posed to the environment and health of residents by trace elements released by fuel combustion in the thermoelectric power plant of Pian de’ Gangani (Montalto di Castro, Latium, Italy). In this context, analysis of human hair can be considered as an advantageous approach to monitor the exposure of population to the adverse effects of the power plant, which is now fully operative. To this purpose 92 healthy children (aged 9–10 years) were selected from two primary schools of Montalto di Castro and Pescia Romana. The young age of the donors guarantees that the effects of cosmetic treatment and occupational exposure on the representativeness of data are minimized. Hair samples were collected, washed and digested as prescribed by already well-established procedures. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) were employed for the determination of the trace and minor elements of interest (As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V and Zn). The entire analytical procedure was checked for both measurement precision and accuracy by using the Certified Reference Material BCR No. 397 Human Hair. The mean values obtained were (in μg g⁻¹): As, 0.159±0.044; Ca, 393±187; Cd, 0.047±0.055; Co, 0.040±0.038; Cr, 0.704±0.208; Cu, 12.0±10.3; Fe, 12.1±10.8; Mg, 40.6±27.7; Mn, 0.383±0.296; Ni, 0.868±1.331; P, 141±138; Pb, 1.64±1.63; Sb, 0.041±0.058; Se, 0.430±0.135; Tl, 0.001±0.001; V, 0.185±0.158; and Zn, 177±173. These experimental figures can be assumed to be the baseline values prior to the full operation of the power plant. Within the next 4–5 years it is planned to conduct a similar study with a new group of subjects, comparable for age, sex, style of life and exposure mode, to the present ones so as to detect possible trends in the bioaccumulation of the above elements.     

On the role of neutron activation analysis in the certification of a new reference material for trace-element studies,mixed human diet,H-9

A new biological reference material, which is representative of diets consumed in Finland, has been characterized by means of an intercomparison exercise conducted by the IAEA in the second half of 1985 and in 1986. Results for 35 elements received from 79 participants in 33 countries have been evaluated. A certificate of analysis has been issued with provisional certified values for 22 elements and information values for 2 elements. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) provided approximately one third of all the results reported. Instrumental NAA was used approximately 5 times as frequently as radiochemical NAA. Overall, NAA played an important role in providing useful data for the following 20 elements: Al, As, Br, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, F, Fe, Hg, I, K, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se and Zn. In comparison with the main competing non-nuclear method (usually atomic absorption spectrometry), NAA showed a larger dispersion of results for Cd, Cu, K, and Mg, and a smaller degree of dispersion for Co, Cr, Hg, and Se.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of fly ash,aerosols and hair

Samples of coal, slag, emissions retained on the separating devices, fly ash, aerosols and hair taken in the area of coal-fired power plant were analyzed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis. 13 to 23 elements were determined in the samples. The data obtained for emissions and aerosols were further evaluated by calculation of enrichment factors, correlation coefficients and by the ratio matching method. The concentrations of elements determined in the hair of exposed group were compared with the data of control and out control groups as well as with the recent data found for hair in other countries. It can be seen from the results that arsenic is the most serious pollutant in the area.     

Indication of environmental pollution by means of INAA of the hair of some free living mammals

Hair samples collected from free living mammals common hare (Lepus europaeus Pall.), common vole (Microtus arvallis Pall.) and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus L.) have been subjected to instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). up to 18 elements As, Au, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Na, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th and Zn have been determined in each hair sample. Animal hair samples from areas polluted by thermal power plants burning coal were taken and compared with hair samples from the animals living in relatively non-polluted control areas. The results show that animal hair samples from areas with higher level of pollution contain usually higher concentrations of toxic and essential elements as As, Co, Cr, Fe and Se. Muride rodents can be used for more detailed monitoring of environmental exposure than hare. Moreover, hair of common vole shows usually higher levels of contamination as compared with wood mouse, which could be explained by different compositions of feed. Animal hair has been shown to be a rather sensitive indicator of environmental exposure and INAA has proved to be a suitable analytical tool for this purpose.