Estimation of Lead and Cadmium in the Hair and Nails of Petrol Station Workers

Lead and cadmium are among the most dangerous heavy metals for human health, as several studies have proven the effect of these elements on the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and respiratory and reproductive systems. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, human hair and nails have been identified as important biomarkers to assess exposure to potentially harmful elements. The purpose of this research was to determine the levels of lead and cadmium in the hair and nail samples of petrol station workers in Al-Ramadi-Iraq. A total of 20 male petrol station workers and 20 males working in offices were recruited for the study. Hair and nail samples were collected from all participants and stored in plastic tubes for analysis. Histological examination using SEM was conducted on the hair and nail samples. The results revealed that the levels of lead and cadmium in the hair and nail samples were significantly elevated compared to control values, with mean values of (14.01 mg kg − 1) for lead and (5.96 mg kg − 1) for cadmium in hair, and (7.99 mg kg − 1) for lead and (3.19 mg kg − 1) for cadmium in nails. There was a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) between the levels of lead in the workers' hair and nails and work duration (0.450162, 0.487173) ,also between concentration of Pb in the hair of workers and concentration of Pb and Cd in the nail of workers(0.660219,0.574807) , as well as between concentration of Pb in the nail of workers and concentration of Cd in the nail of workers (0.881698).