Trace metal concentration in scalp hair of occupationally exposed autodrivers.

The concentrations of Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cd were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer in the scalp hair of professional male autodrivers who are occupationally exposed to the vehicular/industrial pollutants in the industrial city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The unwashed hair samples when compared with the washed hair showed a significantly higher levels of Cr, Zn and Pb. The correlation coefficient showed a strong mutual dependence on the scalp hair of the exposed individuals and no correlation was found among the trace metals except for Ni-Pb and Ni-Cd. The results in general showed a positive exogenous contribution of all the analyzed industrial trace metals. The drivers who are occupationally exposed to vehicular/industrial pollution are at risk.