The influence of chemical factors on the structure of human hair

The main purpose of the presented study was to investigate the influence of chemical factors on the morphology of human hair. Few factors that may occurduring criminal offenses were selected for testing, including aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO3)2), cadmium(II) nitrate (Cd(NO3)2), sodium chloride (NaCl), ethanol (C2H5OH), water (H2O). The description of the effects of chosen chemical compounds on hair was made mainly on the basis of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In addition, the elemental composition of the hair as an effect of interaction with solution was examined and analyzed using an EDX (Energy - Dispersive X-ray) spectrometry. Performed tests show the degree of human hair degradation and contamination depending on the examined factor and time