Metal Doped Keratin Film Standard for LA-ICP-MS Determination of Lead in Hair Samples

    January 2011 in “ Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry ”
    Pracha Cheajesadagul, Winai Wananukul, Atitaya Siripinyanond, Juwadee Shiowatana
    TLDR A new method accurately measures lead levels in hair to assess exposure.
    The study introduced a lead (Pb) doped keratin film standard as a new calibration method for LA-ICP-MS to determine Pb levels along hair strands. The standard was created by casting hair protein solutions in Pb standard solutions with trichloroacetic acid. Sulfur was used as an internal standard to normalize Pb intensity. This method was applied to hair samples from workers in a battery factory in Thailand, revealing different Pb distribution patterns among workers, suggesting varied exposure levels. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of LA-ICP-MS for quickly tracking Pb concentrations along single hair strands.
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