[Interpretation of the trace element content of hairs in criminology, toxicology and environmental protection. Experimental migration of metal ions in keratine (author's transl)]

Abstract

Metal ions of exogenous origin can penetrate into the hair and can be accumulated. Penetration and distribution of metal ions could be examined by means of electron microprobe-analysis. The dependence of the accumulation of different kations on the concentration of these in the surrounding solutions have been determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The dimension of accumulation depends on various factors: the chemical nature of the ion involved, its concentration in the solution and the solutions pH-value, the nature of the anions present as well as the nature and concentration of other kations. The distribution of the kations in the hair can be changed by washing with distilled water. The significance of the present physical-chemical experiments with hairs for criminology, toxicology and to environmental protection were discussed in detail. It was shown that the content of zinc in the hair is of predominantly endogenous origin; moreover, a strong accumulation in the hair root took place. The study of the accumulation mechanism should contribute to clarifying other possible accumulation mechanisms. Further information should be expected from extention of these experiments.