Crnon carcinogenic > Co > Mn > Cu > Zn > Ni (Fig. 3; Table S3).
According to EPA, HI values > 1 for any trace metal pose serious
health effects (US EPA, 2001). Hazard Index (HI) calculated for trace
metal concentrations in the human population of Punjab points
particularly to lower health risks from Cd for children in urban
and industrial areas, and severe health risks from Pb for all
sub-groups.
Most of hair ($65%) and nail samples ($50%) in the industrial
areas were found to be above the ATSDR threshold for trace metals,
thus confirming they are threatening human health in Punjab. The