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Ulltrastructural and trace metal studies on radiographers’ hair and nails

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Abstract

Scalp hair and fingernail samples of 42 medical radiographers and 42 nonradiographers (control) with matching age groups and food habits were collected for this study. Trace metal estimation by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) has indicated a significant increase (P < 0.001) in Zn, Cu, and Cd contents in the radiographers’ hair and nails. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveled structural changes in the hair and nails of radiographers. Significant alterations in the Zn and Cd contents along with extensive structural damage in the hair and nails probably indicate that low-dose Χ-radiation imposes stress on these radiation workers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. E.M. Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, 700 032, Calcutta, India

    Sabita Majumdar

  2. Biophysics Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, 700 032, Calcutta, India

    Keya Chaudhuri

  3. Radiology Department, Medical College and Hospital, 88 College Street, 700 012, Calcutta, India

    Jyotirmoy Chatterjee

Authors
  1. Sabita Majumdar
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  2. Jyotirmoy Chatterjee
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  3. Keya Chaudhuri
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Majumdar, S., Chatterjee, J. & Chaudhuri, K. Ulltrastructural and trace metal studies on radiographers’ hair and nails. Biol Trace Elem Res 67, 127–138 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02784068

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02784068

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