Abstract
Hair incorporates chemical compounds from the bloodstream and external sources as it grows. Different analytical procedures are proposed, but no consensus can be found for external contamination removal (washing stage). Thus, a major limitation of the use of hair analysis for human biomonitoring is the issue related to the washing efficiency, and the objective of this study was to propose a simple washing method for a better cleaning of external contamination. Based on a sequence of three steps of detergent or acid washing (Triton, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid), the TNCl method was tested on raw and spiked samples and compared to other methods. Thirty-seven inorganic elements were analyzed by inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) after washing and acid digestion of 10 hair samples (Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, N, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Ru, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Gd, Lu, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U). The inorganic element concentrations in the hair samples were compared to those reported in the literature. The TNCl method was shown to be more efficient than other methods based on the use of surfactants and organic solvents.
Highlights
Human beings are exposed to a wide range of chemicals through their environment, diet, and use of consumer products at home and/or in the workplace
Two reference materials were used (IAEA-086 and CRM81002b), and the laboratory was involved in five interlaboratory tests (ILTs) to evaluate the method performance
K is washable with any method; Fe is extracted at ~30–50% with both acetone and the new washing protocol (TNCl), and Cr shows different values of washing efficiency depending on the study
Summary
Human beings are exposed to a wide range of chemicals through their environment, diet, and use of consumer products at home and/or in the workplace. This exposure to chemicals occurs through a variety of pathways and exposure routes, notably by inhalation and via dermal and oral uptake. Urine, blood, and plasma [1] are extensively used as biological matrices for conducting HBM, yet the hair matrix is much less used for such a purpose. Recent instrumental developments have provided typical use of this matrix for both organic and inorganic pollutants [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
