Abstract
Some of the problems involved in the use of human hair sample as an indicator of trace metal exposure are discussed. The significant correlations of hair cadmium level with the respective kidney (r = .52) and liver (r = 0.36) levels in selected autopsies, and the fact that hair samples can distinguish between occupational and non-occupational exposure (t28 = 4.88) in a New Jersey community are advanced as arguments in favor of hair sampling. The hair samples were washed with sodium lauryl sulphate, deionized water and acetone and then dried. All the samples were ashed at 450–500° and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotoinetry.