Exposure to environmental contamination in women living in Naples and Caserta provinces (South Italy): Hair trace metals analysis, first data

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Sn, Cd, Pb, Se, Ba, Cr, Cu, Ni, Be, Al, V, Fe, Mn, Sb concentrations in women's hair childbearing age (20¬ 30 years) along a litoral area, which falls into two provinces of Campania Region: Naples and Caserta. This area is subject to a high human impact. In addition, since the hair allows us to evaluate the different inputs linked both endogenous contaminations (deposition through the blood) and exogenus (deposition of airborne particulate matter and/or cosmetic products used), it was also possible to evaluate them. Preliminary data have shown a not uniform accumulation. An endogenous contamination for Cd, Pb, Ba, Cu, Ni, Be, Al, V, Fe, Mn, Sb; an exogenous for Cr; and a mixed one for Se and Sn were detected. Through Kruskal-Wallis (p) test significance coefficient, the data showed a clear and significant accumulation of Sn, Cd, Se, Ni, Al, V and Sb.