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The use of biological tissues as diagnostic tools of trace element level for recognising the disease status of an exposed human population is an important area of investigation. Quantitative analysis of 10 trace elements viz lead, calcium, magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, and zinc in the human body was performed using hair as biopsy material. In the present investigation, workers in a roadways workshop, locomotive workshop and Pb battery units were included as subjects. Head hair samples were collected from the nape region of the skull. Subsequent to sampling of hair, a questionnaire recommended by the World Health Organization was filled in order to obtain details about the subjects regarding occupation, duration of exposure, medical history, etc. Concentration of elements in hair was determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Workers under mental stress were treated as cases and workers without any symptoms of mental stress were chosen as controls. Significant difference in concentration of lead, calcium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, copper and zinc was found in hair of subjects with mental stress than those of controls. Concentration of chromium and iron was found higher in hair of subjects with mental stress but this difference was not significant with respect to controls.

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