Comparations of major and trace elements in soil, water and residents’ hair between longevity and non-longevity areas in Bama, China

Natural environment is an important factor affecting longevity. Soil, water and hair samples from Bama were assayed to investigate the effects of elements on the regional longevity. The concentrations of Cd, Co and Mg in soil and Co in drinking water were significantly higher in longevity area than those in non-longevity area (p < 0.05). The concentrations of K, Mo, Na, Pb and V in soil, Mg, Na, Fe, Li and Mn in drinking water and I, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Sr in hair were significantly lower in longevity area than those in non-longevity area (p < 0.05). Mg, Mn, Na and Sr in hair were affected by soil and drinking water. Our results indicate that adequate concentration of Mg in soil might benefit longevity, excessive concentrations of Na in soil, Mg, Mn and Na in drinking water and Mg, Mn, Na and Sr in hair might reduce lifespan of local residents.