Trace metals in the hair of habitants of the Ok Tedi region, Papua New Guinea

Metallic Elements in Hair as a Biomarker of Human Exposure to Environmental Pollution: A Preliminary Investigation in Hubei Province

“…With respect to hair Zn content, we found no difference between polluted and nonpolluted areas. Our results agree with those of Fang Zhaoliang (1980) and Bao Keguang (1984) who studied Cd and Pb in the hair of long-term countryside inhabitants in areas polluted by smelteries and are consistent with the international literature on high hair metal contents of people living downwind from copper mines or smeltering sites (Jones et al, 1987;Moon et al, 1988;Takeuchi et al, 1989;Jamett et al, 1991;DiazBarriga et al, 1993;Mokhtar et al, 1994).…”

Elements in the Hair of Non-Mining Workers of a Lignite Open Mine in Neyveli

“…The low levels of Mn and Zn observed in the non-mining workers were ascertained to low nutritional intake and the rapidly changing life style of dietary habits. Jones et al 19) pointed out high levels of Cd (3.83 ppm) and normal levels of Cu (10.29), Pb (23.79) and Zn (113.1) in the hair of residents of gold and copper mining area of Ok Tedi. When compared to these values, our values of Cd and Pb were lower and Cu level was higher.…”

“…When compared to these values, our values of Cd and Pb were lower and Cu level was higher. It has long been known that mining activity can markedly change the status and distribution of certain heavy metals in the adjacent environment 19) . A few parameters such as age, diet, smoking habit, year of service and income of family may account for change in the concentrations of elements in the hair of certain subjects.…”

Microbial and metal water quality in rain catchments compared with traditional drinking water sources in the East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea

“…Since commencement of mining, fish catches have declined (Swales et al 1998). Elevated levels of metals are found in fish (Swales et al 1998) as well as in human hair samples (Jones et al 1987). Currently, proposed copper and gold mining projects in the Sepik region contribute to concerns about how these projects will affect water quality in traditional ground and surface water sources.…”