The work presented in this paper is part of the study which aims at determining the levels of elements in hair of children in Tanzania as a bioindicator of their nutrition and health. In this paper, the levels of trace elements in hair from children living in Dar es Salaam have been analysed. The analysis was carried out by long and short irradiation INAA at the reactor centre of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Rez Czech Republic. 22 samples were collected from children living at Kiwalani about 12 km from Dar es Salaam city and 16 samples from children living at Mlimani, the main campus of University of Dar es Salaam. A total of 34 elements were found in the hair of the children. There were no big differences between the concentration levels of the essential elements in hair samples collected from the children which might indicate the same food consumption habits. 1. Introduction Trace element concentrations in human body are normally determined by the analysis of blood, serum, plasma, urine, or hair. Hair has an advantage over blood and urine as it accumulates elements in higher concentrations [1] and its collection is fast, painless, and easy [2]. Further more, the analysis of hair gives long-term information on the behaviour of the elements in the body (up to 2-3 years depending on length of hair) in contrast to blood and urine which provide short-term information [3]. Hair is also a stable biological material, which can easily be stored at room temperature for a long time without a change in its composition. A number of researchers have used hair samples to assess the nutritional and environmental exposure to humans. Othman and Spyrou (1980) reported increased levels of mercury (Hg) in hair samples collected from female adults and children in the Machakos district in Kenya, which are associated with the use of Hg compounds as cosmetics and for lightening the colour of the skin [4]. Airey [5], analysed human hair samples for Hg in relation to fish consumption. The results showed a direct relationship between mean hair Hg and the rate of fish consumption and hence to the diet of the society. Ikingura et al. (1996) reported concentrations of Hg in hair samples which were consistent to the concentration levels found in fish consumed by people living in the Lake Victoria goldfields in Tanzania [6]. Fordyce et al. (2000), reported a clear link between dietary Se intake and its concentrations in hair [7]. Hair from children has also been used in several research projects to assess their health and nutritional status [8–12]. The effect of dietary factor,
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