The primary aim of the study is assessment of hair and whole blood trace element and mineral levels in children living in a polluted area near a copper smelter (Karabash) and two control locations (Varna, Tomino) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data indicates that both blood and hair As, Pb, and Fe levels in children living in Karabash significantly exceeded the control values. Whole blood levels of copper in children living in Varna exceeded that in Tomino (p = 0.155) and Karabash (p < 0.001) by 16 %. Oppositely, hair concentration of Cu was maximal in children from Karabash. Blood Ca and Mg content in children from Varna exceeded the respective values from Tomino and Karabash by 32 % (p = 0.021) and 42 % (p < 0.001), and 19 % (p < 0.001) and 9 % (p < 0.001), respectively. Similar differences were observed in hair mineral content. Oppositely, children living in Tomino and Karabash were characterized by 10 (p = 0.002) and 23 % (p < 0.001) higher levels of blood phosphorus. At the same time, hair P content was maximal in a polluted area. Therefore, children living in a polluted area near a copper smelter had significantly higher values of heavy metals and decreased Mg and Ca content in biosamples. It is supposed that adverse health effects in persons living near a copper smelter may be associated not only with toxic metal overexposure but also with altered mineral homeostasis.
Keywords: Antagonism; Arsenic; Calcium; Copper-smelter; Magnesium; Metal pollution.