[New toxicokinetic exposure tests for metals based on atomic absorption analysis of the nails]

The up-to-date methodology development for analysis of microelements permits the determination of many of them in small nail samples. The nails of the feet are chosen as biological bioptic material offering some advantages: stability in preserving; higher levels of most toxic elements (in comparison with the levels in serum, blood and urine); a lower rate of surface pollution (in comparison with the hair and nails of the hands); receiving information on the average level of exposure for a long period of time. For the purpose of using nails from the feet in biological control are developed direct AAC - procedures for defining As, A1, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, Mo, Sb and Sn on the basis setting the samples in solution with tetra-alkylammonium hydroxide. The levels of these elements are determined in unexposed persons. The analysis of nails from feet of workers exposed to Pb, Cr and Mn proves, statistically, that the level of these metals gives valuable information on the rate of exposure (the quantity entered into the organism) of groups and individuals. This analysis permits longitudinal control on Pb, Cr and Mn - status of the organism by painless sampling, accessible and reliable analytical procedure.