Hair elemental analysis for forensic science using nuclear and related analytical methods

Abstract

In this review, we explore determination of element contents in hair with neutron activation analysis (NAA) and particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Here we discuss factors that influence the accuracy and credibility of results, and conclusions drawn for forensic science. Hair structure, growth phase, deposition of trace elements in hair, sampling and washing procedures are important factors before analysis, whereas the availability of reference values or ranges of hair elemental composition for non-exposed populations, and toxicological considerations are vitally important for results interpretation. We present here selected applications of NAA and PIXE for testing hypothesis of criminal poisoning with toxic elements. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize the importance of future NAA and PIXE applications for accurate determination of toxic elements and for spatially resolved element contents in hair, respectively.