Trace elements in hair and nail samples of nursery operators in Peninsular Malaysia: occupational exposure and environmental health implications

Nursery operators are potentially exposed to environmental contaminants, particularly toxic trace elements from prolonged agrochemical use. This study evaluated and compared trace element concentrations in hair and nail samples of nursery operators from conventional and organic nurseries in Peninsular Malaysia. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 48 participants (20 from conventional and 28 from organic nurseries). Hair and nail samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify 14 trace elements. Results showed that conventional nursery operators had significantly higher concentrations of toxic elements, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and ammonia (NH₃), than their organic counterparts (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis between hair and nail matrices showed strong associations for magnesium, chromium, cobalt, and zinc, suggesting shared sources and possible co-exposure. Notably, synergistic accumulation patterns were observed among lead, arsenic, manganese, and mercury, while antagonistic interactions were evident between cadmium and essential elements such as zinc and chromium. These findings underscore heightened occupational health risks in conventional nursery environments due to cumulative trace element exposure, highlight the utility of hair and nail biomarkers for long-term exposure monitoring, and advocate for stricter agrochemical regulations and enhanced occupational safety practices.