Children exposure to trace levels of heavy metals at the north zone of Kifissos River

► The study area was the north zone of the Kifissos River which is characterized by extensive anthropogenic interventions. ► The degree of exposure in primary school children to five toxic metals analyzing their scalp hair, is assessed. ► The concentrations of heavy metals in the Kifissos River show that the river is polluted. ► The heavy metal concentrations in the scalp hair were higher in the area of Kifisia.