Trace Element Levels in Nape of Neck Hair from local population Latakia –Syria: Link to Sex and age factors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the contents of some trace elements of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), Cupper Cu and zinc (Zn) in nape of neck  hair of male and female volunteers of different ages from Latakia city.  The collected samples of hair  underwent a series of processes of washing, drying, and digestion then they were analyzed by ICP-MS to determine the levels of trace elements  of Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in nape of neck hair of volunteers. It was noticed that  values of Pb, Zn, and Ni depend  on sex factor that is element levels were higher in female comparing to those of male. But age factor didn't influence on the level of the studied elements except for Pb whereas it was directly proportional to age. It was obvious that the levels of trace elements in nape of neck hair  were correlated to gender and age. Therefore hair can be considered a good monitor for different levels of elements in the human body linked to gender and age of person as a source of sample.