Hair analysis. Part 1: Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper in human hair samples of persons in permanent contact with a polluted workplace environment

Prior to determination of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry microwave digestion has been evaluated for the decomposition of human hair samples using a HNO3H2O2 mixture. The efficiency of the decomposition, and the accuracy and precision of the proposed procedure was studied using a human hair standard. Hair samples were collected from the vertex of the scalps of donors who were employed in factories manufacturing lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries and gas (petroleum) vending station workers. The results show that, in all cases, permanent contact with the polluted environment makes it possible to absorb very large amounts of lead or cadmium, simultaneously depressing zinc absorption. Results of a study on the content of the above elements in human hair of persons who had had no work place contact with these elements are also presented.