Abstract
In one case of repeated ingestions of arsenic over a period of one year, the value of sectional toe nail analysis was investigated. The arsenic determinations were performed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. After subdividing the nail transversely into segments of 0.5 mm length, several maxima and minima of arsenic concentrations were found. Taking the nail growth into consideration, these characteristics of curve correspond to the known dates of treatments and of dismissals from the hospital. The results exclude an external arsenic contamination of the nail.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bean WB (1953) A note on fingernail growth. J Invest Dermatol 20: 27
Curry AS, Pounds CA (1977) Arsenic in hair. J Forens Sci Soc 17: 37–44
Henke G, Bohn G (1969) Detection of a repeated thallium poisoning by means of neutron activation analysis of hair and nail material. Arch Toxikol 25: 48–56
Henke G, Fitzek A (1971) Detection of thallium poisonings by means of neutron activation analysis. Arch Toxikol 27: 266–272
Iyengar GV, Kollmer WE, Bowen HJM (1978) The elemental composition of human tissues and body fluids. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim New York
Kijewski H, Lange J (1977) Interpretation of the trace element content of hairs in criminology, toxicology and environmental protection. Experimental migration of metal ions in keratine. (Review Article). Z Rechtsmed 80: 79–106
Lander H, Hodge PR, Crisp CS (1965) Arsenic in the hair and nails. J Forens Med 12: 52–67
Le Gros Clark WE, Buxton LHD (1938) Studies in nail growth. Br J Dermatol 50: 221
Liebscher K, Smith H (1968) Essential and nonessential trace elements. Arch Environ Health 17: 881–890
Shapiro HA (1967) Arsenic content of human hair and nails. Its interpretation. J Forens Med 14: 65–71
Smith H (1962) Arsenic in biological tissue. Its estimation by activation analysis. J Forens Med 9:143–149
Smith H (1964) The interpretation of the arsenic content of human hair. J Forens Sci Soc 4: 192–199
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Henke, G., Nucci, A. & Queiroz, L.S. Detection of repeated arsenical poisoning by neutron activation analysis of foot nail segments. Arch Toxicol 50, 125–131 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00373394
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00373394