The influence of environmental exposure on lead concentrations in scalp hair of children in Pakistan

In the present study the environmental and occupational exposure of Pb has been assessed by analyzing the scalp hair (SH) of children (both genders), residing in the vicinity of industrial area of Hyderabad, Pakistan. A total of 339 children attending primary schools situated in the industrial area, age ranged 5–10 years, while for comparative purpose children of the same age group from schools located in an area devoid of industries, were selected. The scalp hair was oxidized by acid mixture in a microwave oven prior to determination of Pb by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration profile of Pb in SH of children showed that the level changed significantly (44–64%) with changes of living habits or environmental exposure. The influence of age, sex, and family occupation on the children’s hair Pb concentration was also evaluated. Significant differences in SH–Pb levels were observed between the exposed (EXC) and non-exposed (NEC) children (p<0.01). The concentration of Pb in boys of exposed (EX) and non-exposed (NEX) area was more than in girls of the corresponding localities. The boys and girls of NEX and EX areas have SH–Pb in the range of 3.97–5.4 and 6.06–13.7 μg g−1 and 3.41–7.4 and 5.56–11.5 μg g−1, respectively. The Pb levels increased with age in both study groups.