Comparison of trace metal levels in the hair of Pakistani Urban and rural adult male populations

Human scalp hair samples obtained from the urban and rural adult male populations in Pakistan were investigated for six essential elements (Ca, Fe, Mg, Cu, Cr, Mn), three toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Ni), and for Al and Sr. The maximum concentration in both segments of population was that of Ca 1880–4680 ug/g for the urban; 2357–4691 μg/g for rural population. On the average the following order of metal concentrations in urban hair was observed: Ca > Mg > Fe > Al > Sr > Pb > Cu > Ni > Mn > Cr > Cd. For the rural population Cd showed the minimum concentration level (0.17–1.9 μg/g). In this group the concentration order was: Ca > Mg > Fe > Al > Pb > Sr > Mn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd. Metal‐to‐metal correlation study between two groups showed that different metals were weakly correlated in rural and urban hair. Regression equations indicated a distinct dependence of metal concentrations on the habitats of donors. The data were compared with corresponding data reported in literature.