Determination of Selected Heavy Metal Levels in Scalp Hair and Fingernail Samples from Dental Laboratory Technicians

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine selected heavy metal levels including cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr) nickel (Ni) in scalp hair and fingernail samples of dental technicians. The scalp hair and fingernail samples were collected from 55 dental technicians and 25 medical technicians (control group). In the same time a questionnaire was filled by each subject of the two groups. The concentration of heavy metals (Co, Cr and Ni) in scalp hair and fingernail were determined by spectrometry. The result showed that the Co concentration in hair and nails of dental technicians was (0.74 μg/g, 6.5 μg/g respectively) compared with medical technicians (0.04 μg/g, 0.03 μg/g respectively). Ni concentration in hair and nails of dental technicians was (12.00 μg/g, 17.4 μg/g respectively) compared with medical technicians (6.3 μg/g, 6.00 μg/g respectively). Concentration of Cr in hair and nails of dental technicians was (9.37 μg/g, 10.6 μg/g respectively) compared with medical technicians (0.0 μg/g, 10.3 μg/g respectively), Ni was found to have the highest level in the hair and fingernails of dental technicians.