Regional biological dosimetry: radiation induced changes of elemental concentrations in hair

Irradiation of skin by ionizing radiation is reflected by changes in hair growth. Changes in hair diameter, which follows irradiation, are the basis of a biological dosimetry technique. Nuclear microscopy has also been used to measure changes in concentrations of trace and minor elements in hair of radiation treated test animals. Some of the elements show change in both their longitudinal and transversal distribution. These changes are related to the skin dose received.