Evaluation of Scalp and Pubic Hair as Bioindicators for Estimating Exposure to Lead

Blood lead concentration is still most commonly used to assess the degree of exposure to environmental lead. However, blood lead levels are relatively transient and so tissues such as hair which store lead over longer periods need to be explored as bioindicators of lead toxicity. The results of such an investigation into hair are presented. These results indicate that there are significant differences in scalp-hair levels between the African, East Indian and Chinese racial groups in the multiracial adult population of Trinidad, West Indies. However, no significant differences were found for the pubic hair levels among the three races. The percentage of sulphur or the carbon: sulphur ratios in scalp hair did not influence the scalp-hair lead levels in the general population, although a significant difference in the carbon:sulphur ratios was observed between the African and East Indian racial groups.