Elemental concentrations in hair of inhabitants of a cadmium-polluted area.

To investigate the present situation of inhabitants living in the cadmium-polluted area of Toyama Prefecture, 95 hair samples were analyzed instrumentally by the neutron activation method. The concentrations were compared with nonpolluted samples. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Cu/Zn in hair were compared with those in some reported organs. The values of Cu/Zn were significantly lower (p less than 0.001) in hair of both female groups, but only somewhat lower (p less than 0.05) in hair of the male group. Causes of these facts are discussed. Results obtained from principal component analysis are also mentioned.