The blood and hair heavy metal levels in two districts with different ground water concentrations

The aim of the study was to compare blood and hair arsenic and lead levels between two district one of which is mining area with higher concentrations and the other district was selected as a control area with lower of these heavy metals in ground water samples. 

In this study blood (n = 675) and hair samples (n=107) were collected in May-July 2007   from individuals living in two district of Çanakkale province. The study population was consisted of non-smoker women who lived at least fifteen years in study area. The mean age was found to be  59,8±10,36 and there is no difference between districts. They were randomized from the streets of Çan and Bayramiç provinces and  villages for collecting blood and nail samples with adequate methods and interviews. The collected blood samples were analyzed for blood arsenic and lead levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Hair and blood arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 1,92 μg g^− 1   and  2,0-84,0μg dL^− 1  respectively in mining district whereas levels were  0.07 to 0,46 μg g^− 1 and  2,5-45,0 μg dL^− 1  in  the control district.

The lead concentrations in hair and blood ranged from 1,20-9,7 μg g^− 1  mining district and  0,17-12,8 mg dL^− 1 in the control district.

Although none of the values exceeded toxic levels the difference between two regions was found significant (p<0,05). Hair arsenic levels was higher in mining area but blood samples were found higher in control area. Either blood or hair lead concentrations were found to be higher in mining ground.

The results indicated that consumption of ground water with higher lead and arsenic levels may cause to increase in blood and hair concentrations. Further chronic health effects needs to be studied.