Abstract. The aim of the research was to estimate the hair levels of toxic elements in inhabitants of the North-Eastern region of Russia taking into account the different adaptive potential of the indigenous and newcoming population of the North. The hair lead, cadmium, mercury, as well as calcium and zinc content was studied using atomic emission and mass spectrometry in representatives of various ethnic groups aged 18 – 65 years old (Koryaks, n = 40; Chukchee, n = 35; Evens, n = 68; Caucasians, n = 89) living in Magadan Region. In the Evens, hair cadmium levels exceeded that of the Koryaks, Chukchee, and Caucasians, whereas hair lead values in the Chukchee were lower than in the other studied groups. There were no significant ethnic differences in mercury content. Therefore, Magadan Region can be counted among the territories with a relative favorable environmental situation with regard to the burden of toxic metals.