PIXE microanalysis in green hair

PIXE microanalysis, a special X-ray fluorescence technique (PIXE = proton-induced X-ray emission), allows the determination of trace elements, such as copper and zinc, down to a level of 1 ppm. By means of this method cryo-sections of the hair shafts of a 25-year-old female patient suffering from the green hair syndrome were measured. The distribution of Cu, Zn, Ca and S in a 10 µm disk perpendicular to the hair axis could be evaluated. Our results showed a high content of Cu and Zn at the hair shaft periphery, whereas the center of the hair shaft was free of copper. Total concentration was: Cu 6638 ppm, Zn 1353 ppm, Ca 3004 ppm and S 43,788 ppm.