Previous studies have revealed that hair trace element concentrations can reflect exposure in cases of frank poisoning and deficiency. Correlations have been found also in some populations living in regions where metallurgic processes are conducted. This study reports significant correlations between hair, barium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, tin, and vanadium content and exposures (as measured by analyses for the corresponding elements in dustfall or housedust) within a single metropolitan area. Age, sex, hair color, and smoking habits were included in the statistical evaluation. Several metals showed a tendency to increase and decrease together in the hair specimens in agreement with trends reported for other human tissues. It is acknowledged that hair has the capacity to adsorb and to release trace elements in certain situations. However, population studies can compensate for confounding influences by (1) a randomizing effect, by (2) an averaging effect, and (3) by statistical rejection of unrepresentative data values. The relationship of hair content to (a) content in other tissues and to (b) metabolic status are separate and complex issues that should not be confused with (c) exposure relationships.

Includes bibliographical references.

v. 1. Fifteen trace elements in New York, N.Y. 8(1971-72)--v.2. Seventeen trace elements in four New Jersey communities (1972)--v. 3. Seventeen trace elements in Birmingham, AL and Charlotte, NC (1972).