Toxicology

Hair is a unique matrix for metal deposition, as it offers a “timeline” of prior exposures (Stadlbauer et al., 2005). This spatiotemporal relationship of exposures along the hair can make possible the estimation of time and duration of exposures.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental contaminants that pose a significant public health risk including reproductive toxicity partly because they are endocrine disruptors. The lipophilic nature of PCBs increases the risk of developmental exposure due to placenta and breast milk transfer.