Elements in the hair of workers at a workshop, foundry, and match factory.

The levels of seven elements determined in the hair were compared between male controls and industrial workers from Madras (South India). Particularly, the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni in the foundry workers and Cu, Mn, and Ni in the workers of a workshop and match factory were observed to be higher than that of controls working in the office. In addition, the occupation, age, and period of service of workers had an influence, but diet, smoking habits, income of family, and hair color had no influence on the element levels in the hair.