Study of Lead concentration in individuals′ nail as biological indicator

Isfahan is one of the most polluted cities in Iran because this city has a large number of polluting industries and heavy traffic. With regard to the fact that in recent years using the nail as biological indicator index for level of contact with heavy metals has been considered. This research carried out in order to use the nail as a biological marker to study air pollution in Isfahan compared with Chadegan city that has a clean air. Two groups of 65 people aged (5-50) of women and men in both cities were selected. Then 1 gram of fingernail from each of them was collected. After the samples preparation and digestion the concentration of lead in nail samples was determined by atomic absorption apparatus. ANOVA analysis on information related to age, sex, job and exposure with cigarettes in selected population from two city showed that the selected population in two cities is completely homogeneous and similar. And a Significant differences between the average concentration of lead in the nail of subjects under study in two cities is there (P<0.001).The average concentration of lead in nail samples in Isfahan was 0.1037 mg/g and the average concentration of lead nail samples in Chadegan city was 0.0875 mg/g. It was found that significant differences between average concentrations of Lead in the nail of subjects under study is related to place of residence them and exposures to environmental contaminants including air pollution from industries in Isfahan city has been effective on concentration of lead in nail samples.