Implications of air pollution and cosmetic regimens on metal concentrations in women’s hair from Poland

Abstract Background The high level of environmental contamination from metals requires us constantly to study the relationships between their levels in the body and potential health problems. The possibility of easy, non-invasive sampling made hair a popular matrix for such studies. Many factors, however, may influence the levels of metals in hair and need to be borne in mind. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare metal concentrations (Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in 145 women who employed a variety of hair-care habits (coloring and washing frequency) and lived in three regions of Poland with different levels of urbanization (Malopolskie, Podkarpackie and Swietokrzyskie), and to verify their dependence on air pollution proxied by PM10 data (gathered for 2013 and 2014). Since pre-cleaning procedure may alter hair trace elements composition, we did not clean samples prior to analysis to assess the total metal burden - incorporated from the body and from external contamination - and thus provide an important measure of overall environmental exposure. Results Air pollution significantly affected hair Ca, Hg, Mg, Pb, and Zn levels in both 2013 and 2014. A clear increasing trend in Ca and Pb concentrations was observed with rising PM10 levels. Washing frequency increased levels of Zn in hair, while coloring increased Ca and Mg levels, which indicates that such regimens influence mineral hair composition rather than xenobiotic metal content. Conclusions The region where women live appears to be the most significant factor influencing metal concentrations in their hair. Since geographical location—particularly differences in industrial activity—affects metal levels in unwashed hair, we propose that this matrix could be used to assess overall metal exposure and may also provide insights into the level of air pollution in a given area.