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Paper No. 6
Presentation Time: 11:20 AM
BIOACCUMULATION OF METALS IN NAILS AND SCALP HAIR IN CHILDREN IN MIGORI GOLD MINING AREA, KENYA: HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) as well as Mercury(Hg) and Arsenic (As) occur naturally in soil, water and biota.Concentrations depend on local geology, addition from mining and industry and/or globally distributed pollution from other geogenic and anthropogenic sources (Cui et al., 2005, Hang et al., 2009).
Geologically enriched environments contain high concentrations of such metals.In areas with superficial industrial exposures, children are exposed through soil, drinking water and consumption of locally available food.
As, Pb, Cd and Hg:No known biochemical, physiological or metabolic functions in humans. Each is known to elicit toxic effects even at very low exposure levels.Cu: Essential element at low levels, component of various enzymes; normal development of connective tissues.Cr: reported as an essential element at low levels in blood sugar regulation through insulin.
Analyses of human biomarkers have been used to demonstrate occupational or environmental exposure to toxic elements (Were et al., 2008). Human hair as a tool of choice for monitoring the exposure is linked to availability of suitable analytical procedures to quantify the content of metals. Reflects metal mean level in human body during a period of 2–5 months (Aharoni and Tesler, 1992). Nail analysis is another useful alternative technique. Reflects health effects resulting from longer exposure periods, 12-18 months (Were et al., 2008). Metal content of hair and nails varies geographically, depending on natural background conditions, such as composition of soil, element concentration in water and foods and eating habits (Teraoka, 1981). Simultaneous use of hair and nails for biological monitoring in relation to fish consumption has not been studied sufficiently well for drawing tangible correlations with the exposure levels.
The presentation focuses on water and fish consumption and their relationship with metals in the hair and nails.
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