The Elemental Status of Senior Residents in Petrozavodsk

Abstract

The goal of our study was to investigate the elemental status in Petrozavodsk residents from senior age groups compared to analogous values recorded in the residents of Russia’s central regions. We based our investigations on hair analysis, using the techniques of atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry. Our investigations have shown no deviations in the Al, As, Be, and Ni contents in hair. We found insignificant deviations in the Cd, Li, Sn, and V contents. We recorded deviations towards higher values in the hair concentrations of toxic Hg and Pb and in the conditionally essential microelement B. We found deviations towards lower values in the hair concentrations of Co, Ca, Zn, Mg, I, Fe, P, Cu, Mn, Cr, Se, and Si. The indicated deviations in the elemental contents could be caused by both the age-specific factors and the natural, ecological, and social living conditions of the population of Russia’s European North. The established elemental imbalance creates risks for developing endemic microelementoses and worsens long-term health prospects for Petrozavodsk’s senior population.