Simultaneous determination of eight trace elements in human skin by instrumental neutron-activation analysis

Abstract

Eight trace elements (scandium, chromium, iron, cobalt, zinc, selenium, rubidium and caesium) were determined simultaneously in human skin by instrumental neutron-activation analysis. The concentrations of all trace elements studied were higher in the abdominal epidermis than the dermis. Site specification was found to be essential.

Application of cluster analysis revealed that iron and zinc were the most similar trace elements in their distribution in the dermis relative to the others studied, and chromium in the epidermis was the most dissimilar.