Levels of lead and cadmium in hair and saliva of school children in Ceres district, South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of Cd and Pb in the hair and saliva of schoolchildren (n = 265) in the Ceres district of South Africa. Socio-economic status and anthropometric data of the children were investigated, including levels of Cd and Pb in water, common foods and cultivated vegetables. Results showed high mean levels of Pb in both hair (1.17 ± 0.99 μg/kg) and saliva (1.07 ± 1.31μg/l), when compared with the reference mean (<0.55 μg/kg and <1.0 μg/l respectively). The mean level of Cd in hair (0.95 μg/kg ± 044) was also high but within the reference value (<1.55 μg/kg). Likewise, Cd in saliva with a mean concn. of 0.67 ± 0.48 μg/l was within the reference values (0.4 ± 2.25 μg/l). The study also showed the presence of both Pb and Cd in water, common foods and cultivated vegetables.