Yes, there is a tiny amount of gold in hair.
Gold in the Human Body
The human body, on average, contains trace amounts of gold. While it's not enough to be considered a valuable source of the metal, its presence is noteworthy. According to recent findings, an average 150-pound human body contains approximately 0.2 milligrams of gold. This gold is not just stored; it's actually excreted through our skin and hair.
How Does Gold End Up in Hair?
The presence of gold in hair is a result of the body's natural processes. Here's a breakdown:
- Excretion: The human body excretes gold through the skin and hair. This means that the gold we ingest or absorb eventually makes its way into these tissues.
- Breast Milk: Babies under three months old often have slightly more gold in their hair than older individuals. This increased level is due to the gold being passed from the mother to the baby through breast milk.
Where Does the Gold Come From?
The gold present in our bodies primarily comes from trace amounts found in:
- Food: Small amounts of gold are present in some foods and beverages.
- Water: Drinking water may contain trace elements of gold.
- Environment: Exposure to environmental factors could contribute to the presence of gold in the body.
Quantities of Gold
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Adult Human Body | 0.2 milligrams |
| Excretion | Through skin and hair |
| Babies under 3 months old | Slightly more due to breast milk |
Is it Worthwhile to Extract Gold from Hair?
- Not Economical: The amount of gold found in human hair is so minuscule that attempting to extract it would be impractical and not economically viable.
- Scientific Interest: While not valuable in terms of monetary worth, this trace presence is of scientific interest for studying human metabolism and exposure to environmental elements.
In summary, while gold does exist in human hair, it's in such small amounts that it holds no economic value. Its presence is more of a scientific curiosity, highlighting how the body processes and excretes trace elements.
