Accumulation of Lead, Zinc, and Copper in Scalp Hair of Residents in a Long-Term Irrigation Area Downstream of the Second Songhua River, Northeast China

In the present study, lead, zinc, and copper concentrations in scalp hair of 120 residents in a long-term irrigation area in downstream of the Second Songhua River were determined. The correlation between metals in hair and the subject descriptors (i.e., age, gender, height, weight, smoking, and drinking habits) was determined, and the metals' contents in the commonly consumed foods and the local environment were also analyzed. The mean concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu in residents' scalp hair were 85.9 +/- 51.1, 174.0 +/- 31.1, and 6.7 +/- 4.4g/g, respectively. Drinking habits influenced Pb contents significantly; the highest Pb concentrations were found in hair of residents who drink frequently, followed by those who drink occasionally and those who never drink. However, for Zn and Cu, no significant influence was found. There was no significant correlation between metal contents and age, gender, or smoking habits (p > .05). However, a significant positive correlation (p < .01) was observed between Zn contents in hair and height. In general, the concentrations of metals in most of the food and the local environments meet China's or other standards. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to Pb pollution in the study area for public health.