Analyses of lead and zinc levels in human scalp hair in occupationally exposed workers in Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

Chemical investigation was conducted into the concentrations of zinc and Lead in scalp hair samples of some selected workers who literally work at occupational settings which exposes them to metal contaminants. The measured concentrations of Zn and Pb were compared with the levels in workers who were unlikely to be occupationally exposed to the studied metal contaminants. Traces of Zinc and Lead were found in all the samples analyzed. However the concentrations of the studied metals were higher in occupationally exposed workers than those who were not likely to be occupationally exposed to the metals. The average concentration of lead and zinc obtained from the occupationally exposed individuals were found to be 0.219-2.201mg/L and 0.046-0.862mg/L respectively. The results of this study have revealed that the average concentration of lead and zinc in human scalp hair of occupationally exposed workers increases with increased number of years spent by an individual at the work place