Levels of Heavy Metals in Human Hair and Nail Samples from Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria

Hair and nail samples were collected from different subjects with respect to sex, age of those working in iron welder workshop and liquor and non-liquor subject in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria for heavy metals determination. Sample collection and preparations were carried out using standard procedures. The levels of heavy metals (Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Co), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb)) were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Unicam 969). From the results of this study, Zn showed the highest concentrations while Cu showed the least levels. The results of the study showed that there was no contribution of liquor towards nail and hair metal concentrations. The levels of all the metals studied were significantly higher in the toenails compared to fingernails samples (p<0.05). Similarly, iron welding workers showed high concentrations of heavy metals when compared to liquor user. The levels of all the metals studied were statistically higher in male subjects compared to female subjects (p<0.05). The concentrations of heavy metals in nail samples were significantly higher when compared to hair samples. Significant levels of these metals in nail and hair samples indicate the presence of these metals in the environment and the workplace of the subjects. Since the present study reveals high levels of some heavy metals in hair and nail samples of iron welding worker volunteer. So there is instantaneous need for public awareness about the hazards of this occupation in order to enable these volunteer take necessary precautionary measures.