This study was about the smoking habits in families and the resulting levels of toxic trace elements by hair analysis in young children. Ninety-five children were tested, and the families were interviewed in regard to overall family smoking habits.
Extensive hair analysis was done of 22 different trace elements, including the following: zinc, selenium, boron, vanadium, cobalt, molybdenum, magnesium, iron, beryllium, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, silver, nickel, copper, tin, and antimony.
Results revealed an increase in the following elements in the hair of children exposed to parental smoking: cadmium, lead, chromium, antimony, iron, and aluminum. The only element that correlated with family income or educational level was cadmium.
CONCLUSION: Hair analysis does give useful information about toxic and environmental exposures to heavy metals in smoke.
NOTE: Of the elements found in the hair of children with parents who smoke, cadmium is carcinogenic, lead causes cognitive impairment, and aluminum may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease in adults.
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PMID: 22322881.
Summary #923. nutrientmedicine
