"Reference values" of trace elements in the hair of a sample group of Spanish children (aged 6-9 years) - are urban topsoils a source of contamination?

摘要: Abstract Human hair is used as a biomonitor to evaluate the environmental exposure contaminants in individual. However, use of human controversial, mainly because reference levels for pollutants have not yet been set. In case Spain, few biomonitoring studies involved infants and children. A study was conducted investigate possible normal values trace elements toxicological concern children aged 6–9 years from city Alcala de Henares, Community Madrid (Spain), following methodology strict inclusion criteria previously developed by our group. Levels Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Ti, Tl, V Zn were monitored scalp–hair 117 healthy (47 boys 70 girls) between April May 2001. The here described could be considered “reference values” resident Madrid. These might also selected preliminary screening tool if Spanish child has exposed any studied here. This investigated whether local urban topsoils source metals this population.