title: Levels of metals in hair of young children as an indicator of environmental pollution.
abstract: In 1982 the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) were determined in hair of 231 four- to five-year-old children. The objective was to explore the feasibility of using metal-in-hair levels in groups of children as an indicator of environmental pollution. The study was carried out in four areas, which were assumed to differ in ambient pollution by metals. A questionnaire on personal data, socioeconomic status, intake of beverages, and life-style was completed by the parents. The metal-in-hair levels covered a large range. The variables pertaining to location together with sex, presence of a garden, and drinking of coffee and/or tea explained 32% of the variance of Pb, 24% of the variance of Cd, and 21% of the variance of V. The total variance explained by all measured questionnaire items was at best 38%. The location was the most important factor. Cu and Se levels did not differ between the locations.
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D008670:Metals