Hair element concentrations and hypertension in South Carolina.

area (Perry and Perry, 1974). In general, coastal areas have a lower per capita income, possibly suggesting a lower level of medical care than the piedmont areas. South Carolina has softer water than states with a low incidence of cardiovascular disease. The relation of water hardness to cardiovascular disease mortality has been reviewed by Sharrett and Feinleib (1975), and in general, the mortality incidence was less in hard water areas than in soft water areas. Hard water usually has greater concentrations of calcium and magnesium than does soft water. Masironi (1970) conducted a study of unfinished river waters in the United States and found