In this study, British researchers used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure arsenic levels in toenails, hoping to use the toenails as a biomarker for exposure to elevated environmental arsenic. Toenails from seventeen individuals were studied, eight from Devon, UK, which is situated near a former arsenic mine and nine from Nottinghamshire, UK, which is not situated near any known arsenic exposures. The geometric mean of total arsenic concentration in toenails of the first group was 5406µg kg−1 while the second group's geometric mean was 122µg kg−1. The first group also showed higher levels of arsenic on the outside of their toenails, having a geometric mean of 506µg kg−1, while the control group had concentrations with a geometric mean of 4.0µg kg−1. This showed evidence of higher environmental exposure to arsenic.
The researchers conclude that the data shows a positive correlation between environmental exposure to arsenic and toenail arsenic content, thereby supporting the use of toenails as a biomarker for exposure to environmental arsenic. The researchers also acknowledge that further studies need to be done for any of this information to be conclusive, since the study was focused on one area in the United Kingdom and only sampled seventeen individuals.
Sources:
http://www.rsc.org/delivery/_ArticleLinking/DisplayHTMLArticleforfree.cfm?JournalCode=EM&Year=2009&ManuscriptID=b817097e&Iss=3
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Did the article discuss any impact nail polish would have on the absorption of arsenic? Just curious.
One article I read talks about using clear nail polish to observe scale patterns in a sample of hair.
"Scale patterns are observed by embedding the hair in a liquid medium, often clear nail polish, and allowing it to set. Once the polish has air dried the hair is removed leaving a cast of the outer scales."
It then goes on to talk about how hair can be used in toxicology. So if nail polish is used to help analyze a hair sample, then I don't think it would absorb arsenic. Otherwise, they would lose that trace of evidence.
http://www.officer.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=18&id=27030
Interesting article.
Post a Comment