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. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.