Human Biomonitoring of Trace Elements in Scalp Hair from Healthy Population of Pakistan

The present study deals with the assessment of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples (scalp hair) of healthy smoker and non-smoker residents of Lahore (the second most populous city), Pakistan. Human biomonitoring of various trace elements like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) was evaluated in human hair samples of smokers and non-smokers (males and females) as per IFCC criteria. For the purpose of comparison, scalp hair samples of age- and sex-equivalent healthy persons were also analyzed. The results of this study show that the concentrations (P95 values) of As (0.17, 0.81, and 0.91 μg/g), Cd (2.80, 3.81, and 3.16 μg/g), Cr (4.1, 4.2, and 5.3 μg/g), Cu (20.0, 21.0, and 21.9 μg/g), Ni (3.9, 4.6, and 4.3 μg/g), Pb (4.0, 4.8, and 5.0 μg/g), and Fe (49.0, 49.0, and 59.3 μg/g) were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of smokers than in referents, for various age groups (16–32 years, 33–50 years, and 51–62 years), respectively. The concentrations of Zn (165, 163, and 173 μg/g various age groups, respectively) in similar age group were found lower in the scalp hair samples of smokers than referents. Exposure of high toxic metal level through smoking and deficiency of Zn could be synergistic with the risk factors associated with the use of tobacco. Correlation studies for the elements in cigarette with the elements in scalp hair of male smokers show a highly positive correlation between Cr–Cd, Cr–Ni, Cu–Fe, and Ni–Zn.