Level of Essential and Toxic Metals in Urban Adolescents Hair: Preliminary Study.

June 13, 2025
A clipboard with a spreadsheet on it and a pen on a table.

The objective of this study is to monitor essential metals including calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), as well as xenobiotics, as well as toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead in the hair of boys aged 12-13 from different cities in Salerno province. This preliminary study explores possible relationships between diet and local environmental pollution.


The experimental data showed significant differences in metal levels by sex. Concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry after washing and mineralization. Notably, lead levels in schoolboys' hair were 1.50 g/g (Salerno) and 1.44 g/g (Solimena), with high nickel levels at Solimena (2.79 g/g) and unsafe arsenic levels at Scafati (2.47 µg/g). Two-way ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between sampling site and sex on arsenic and nickel levels, and effects on cadmium, calcium, copper, lead, and magnesium levels (P<0.05).


Hair metal levels suggest varying exposure to essential and toxic metals among populations. De Prisco P.P. et.al. Biomedical Research 2010; 21 (2): 131-140. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Scienze dell’Alimentazione, via Roma 52°/c, 83100 Avellino, Italy; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Salerno, via Ponte Don Melillo, 84014, Fisciano (SA), Italy.

A black and white photo of a person holding a baby 's hand.

Hair Zinc Levels and the Efficacy of Oral Zinc Supplementation in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

June 13, 2025
Oral zinc supplementation may offer significant benefits for patients with atopic dermatitis who exhibit zinc deficiency. While this study provides compelling evidence for its efficacy, further research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for zinc supplementation in managing AD.
A doctor is talking to a child with cancer while a woman looks on.

Interaction Between Carcinogenic and Anti-Carcinogenic Trace Elements in the Scalp Hair Samples of Different Types of Pakistani Female Cancer Patients.

June 13, 2025
The study demonstrated that elevated levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and nickel, alongside reduced levels of essential trace elements like selenium and zinc, are associated with an increased risk of cancer. This highlights the critical role of trace and toxic element imbalances in carcinogenic processes.
A person is looking through a microscope in a lab.

Trace Elements in Scalp Hair of Leukaemia Patients

June 13, 2025
This study analyzed levels of trace elements (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) in the scalp hair of leukemia patients and healthy individuals using an optimized XRF method. Results showed leukemia patients had lower Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb but higher Ni levels than controls.