[Concentration of trace elements in children from northern Chile]

Industrial processes may lead to severe alterations of environment affecting the health and quality of life of neighbouring communities. The present study reports the concentrations of Cu, As, Br, Na, K, Se, Hg, Cr, Co, Zn, Fe and Sb in samples of hair from children 6 years of age living in Antofagasta, Chuquicamata, María Elena, Calama and San Pedro de Atacama. Results were compared to those obtained in children of the same age living in Santiago. Samples were obtained according to recommendations from the International Nuclear Energy Organization and were analyzed by the neutron activation method at facilities of the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission. Values for Cu (38.8 ppm), Cr (4.29 ppm) and As (19.2 ppm) in children from Chuquicamata are considered dangerous according to international standards.