Reference levels of trace elements in hair samples from children and adolescents in Madrid, Spain

Abstract Introduction Hair samples are used as a tool to evaluate environmental exposure to contaminants and metabolic status in the individual. However, the use of human hair is controversial, mainly because of the lack of well-defined reference levels. In the case of Spain, very few biomonitoring studies have investigated these issues in infants, children or adolescents. Objective To establish reference levels for trace elements in children and teenagers in Madrid, Spain. Material and methods Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure Al, As, Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl and Zn levels in hair samples from 648 healthy children and adolescents (253 boys and 395 girls) between April 2008 and December 2009. Results Median levels were as follows: Al 18.5 μg/g, As 0.07 μg/g, Ag 196 ng/g, Ba 0.5 μg/g, Bi 0.01 μg/g, Cd 18.3 ng/g, Cr 0.4 μg/g, Co 14.5 ng/g, Cu 25.7 μg/g, Fe 15.5 μg/g, Mn 328 ng/g, Mo 0.04 μg/g, Ni 0.5 μg/g, Pb 0.70 μg/g, Se 0.5 μg/g, Sr 1.29 μg/g, Tl 0.28 ng/g and Zn 121 μg/g. Discussion and conclusion The values of trace elements here described could be considered as possible reference ranges for hair samples from children and adolescents aged 0–18 years living in the Madrid region (central Spain). These values could also be selected as a preliminary screening tool to assess exposure sources and to generate information needed to develop prevention strategies and likewise could be a complement to other diagnostic procedures.