ABSTRACT
The literature dealing with elemental composition in human hairs, especially as it relates to nonforensic applications in environmental and health studies, is extensive. There have been numerous reviews and books in which specific aspects of the topic have been considered. It is critical that a clear distinction be drawn between the application of elemental analysis in forensic science and in other fields of endeavour, especially medical science. While some of the issues are of common interest, much of the scepticism about the value of elemental analysis would seem to stem from its use as an indicator for disease conditions. For example, in a comprehensive review prepared on behalf of the Trace Element Laboratories Sub-committee, UK Supra-regional Assay Service, Taylor (1986) drew attention to a number of difficulties and limitations including:
• problems with inter-laboratory studies in achieving reliable and consistent analytical measurements
• difficulties with the interpretation of analytical results as a result of variation resulting from factors such as age and sex of subjects, colour and growth site
• difficulties in controlling and evaluating the influence of external contamination
• lack of correlation between elemental concentrations in hair and in metabolically important tissues.
