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Hair analysis studies have shown it to be an excellent tissue to
monitor toxic metal exposure in humans and animals. For example,
animals receiving 300 parts per million of cadmium in drinking water
had an average intake of 4.5 milligrams over 12 weeks. Peak levels
were reached in the liver, kidneys and hair in 4 weeks. Peak levels
were reached in the liver, kidneys and hair in 4 weeks.
In animals exposed to lesser amounts, a peak was reached at 7 weeks in
the kidneys, and 9 weeks in the liver and hair.
Blood levels during this time remained consistently low despite
continuous exposure and did not correlate with kidney or liver
concentrations. However, the hair cadmium levels did correlate with
kidney and liver concentrations. It has been concluded by this and
many other studies that hair can be used as an indicator of whole-body
accumulation, and that blood is not a good indicator of accumulation. |
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