Examining the Utility of LA-ICP-MS for Detection of Time-resolved Zinc Exposures and Determination of Hair Growth Rate

The study aimed to validate the use of Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Mass Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) for measuring zinc in human hair and to determine hair growth rates through zinc supplementation. Involving 21 participants, the study administered zinc gluconate supplements and collected hair samples to measure zinc exposure. Although the study could not determine hair growth rates, it successfully characterized zinc, lead, and mercury concentrations in hair, identified variability in these concentrations, and optimized analysis methods to minimize interference and carryover. This research enhances environmental health by providing time-resolved exposure data for metals like zinc, lead, and mercury.