Introduction
Human hair is an excellent biological indicator for assessing human health conditions. It can provide an indication of mineral levels and accumulation of toxic metals resulting from long-term or acute exposure. This study investigates the relationship between the concentration of toxic elements in hair and Body Mass Index (BMI) in adolescents with no environmental or occupational exposure. The latter physiological factor influences the metabolism of both essential and toxic elements in the human body, providing a valuable diagnostic framework for various diseases.
Methodology
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was used for a highly sensitive and accurate element determination. The collected samples were pre-treated with acetone and drying before the analysis.
Results
The results obtained suggested the abundance of zinc (Zn) (100 µg g-1), followed by iron (Fe), and copper (Cu), all with concentrations above 1µg g-1. A weak positive correlation was found between Zn and K, while magnesium (Mg) levels proportionally increased with BMI (173±129 µg g-1; 24.0 <BMI < 25.4). Further statistical analyses, including cluster analysis and principal component analysis, suggested low similarity between sulphur (S) and chlorine (Cl), which were indirectly associated with BMI. The data obtained have been studied and discussed with data from an inorganic fraction of particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5, registering very low levels of the elements investigated (As = 1.06 ng m-3, Cr = 3.3 ng m-3, and Ni = 3.5 ng m-3 in fine granulometric fractions).
Conclusion
The results provide an important basis for assessing the effects of anthropogenic phenomena, such as atmospheric emissions, in urban areas. Although no significant correlations with BMI were found for any of the elements studied, the findings represent a baseline for further and more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of the accumulation or release of toxic elements in the bodies of individuals exposed in relation to BMI.
