Assessment of Aluminum via Baby Foods Consumption in Turkey: Estimated Early-Life Dietary Exposure and Target Hazard Quotient

In this study, cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) contents were analyzed in sixteen banana composite samples from different commercial establishments from eleven Ecuadorian production provinces using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations (fresh weight) in the samples collected (9.3–47.3 μg·kg−1 for Cd, 16.1–105.6 μg·kg−1 for Ni, and 36.9–538.0 μg·kg−1 for Pb) were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and target carcinogenic risk (CR) associated with dietary exposure to these potentially toxic metals. Cd and Ni results showed that every sample had EDIs lower than the oral reference dose and THQ values lower than 1, demonstrating that there was no non-carcinogenic risk related to the exposure to Cd and Ni. In the case of Pb, two EDIs results were higher than the reference dose, also their corresponding THQ values were higher than 1. The lead CR in all samples was less than 1 × 10−4, the upper limit used for acceptable cancer risk. Thus, there is no significant health risk to the consumer associated with bananas with contamination levels of Cd, Ni, but there is Pb risk for toddlers (12 kg of body weight) intake comparable to the one detected in the present study.

Download Full-text

Content and Dietary Exposure Assessment of Toxic Elements in Infant Formulas from the Chinese Market

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9121839 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1839

Author(s):

Chuanyou Su ◽

Nan Zheng ◽

Yanan Gao ◽

Shengnan Huang ◽

Xue Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Toxic Elements ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Hazard Index ◽

Dietary Exposure ◽

Carcinogenic Risk ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Infant Formulas ◽

Chinese Market

In this study, the content of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in domestic and imported infant formulas from Beijing, China were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The content of Cr, As, Cd and Pb was 2.51–83.80, 0.89–7.87, 0.13–3.58 and 0.36–5.57 μg/kg, respectively. Even though there were no significant differences in toxic elements content between domestic and imported infant formulas, Cd content was slightly lower in domestic samples. The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) were calculated for infants between 0.5 and 5 y of age. The EDIs were lower than the oral reference doses. THQ of As, Cr, Cd and Pb was 0.027–0.103, 0.024–0.093, 0.0025–0.0090 and 0.0015–0.0046, respectively. HI values were 0.055–0.192 for boys and 0.056–0.209 for girls and were inversely associated with age with a threshold < 1. The non-carcinogenic risk value were in the safe range, indicating that exposure of As, Pb, Cr and Cd from infant formulas do not represent a health risk in China.

Download Full-text

The Safety Assessment of Toxic Metals in Commonly Used Herbs, Spices, Tea, and Coffee in Poland

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115779 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5779

Author(s):

Grażyna Kowalska

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Environmental Protection Agency ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

World Health Organisation ◽

World Health ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Plant Materials

The presented study was aimed at the determination of the level of contamination with heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) in 240 samples of plant materials, i.e., herbal raw materials, spices, tea, and coffee. Moreover, a probabilistic risk assessment (noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR). The samples were subjected to microwave mineralisation with the use of HNO3 (65%), while the determination of the content of the elements was performed with the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP–MS) and a mercury analyser. The element which was characterised by the highest level of accumulation in the analysed samples was lead (from 0.010 to 5.680 mg/kg). Among the heavy metals under analysis, the lowest concentration was noted in the case of mercury (from 0.005 to 0.030 mg/kg). A notably higher level of contamination with heavy metals was noted in the analysed samples of herbs and spices (0.005–5.680 mg/kg), compared to samples of tea and coffee (0.005–0.791 mg/kg). According to the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) concerning the limits of contamination of samples of herbal raw materials with heavy metals, lead levels exceeding the limits were only noted in 24 samples of herbs (18%). In all of the analysed samples of spices, tea, and coffee, no instances of exceeded limits were noted for any of the analysed heavy metals. The values of TTHQmax (in relation to the consumption of the analysed products) were as follows: up to 4.23 × 10−2 for spices, up to 2.51 × 10−1 for herbs, up to 4.03 × 10−2 for China tea, and up to 1.25 × 10−1 for roasted coffee beans. As the value of THQ ≤1, there is no probability of the appearance of undesirable effects related to the consumption of the analysed group of raw materials and products of plant origin. The CR value for As (max. value) was 1.29 × 10−5, which is lower than the maximum acceptable level of 1 × 10−4 suggested by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Download Full-text

Element contents and health risk assessment in wild edible mushrooms of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/423/2021-pse ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mirsada Salihovic ◽

Mirha Pazalja ◽

Aida Šapčanin ◽

Biljana P. Dojčinović ◽

Selma Špirtović-Halilović

Keyword(s):

Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Risk Index ◽

Essential Elements ◽

Edible Mushrooms ◽

Emission Spectrometry ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Wild Edible Mushrooms ◽

Potential Health

The content of macro- and microelements in dry samples of mushrooms of the species Macrolepiota procera, Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius, collected at different areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was determined using the ICP-OES method (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). Of the macroelements, K is the most represented, followed by S, P, Mg, and the least represented Ca and Na. Zn is the most represented of the essential microelements, followed by Fe, Se, Cu, Mn and Co. Al is the most abundant of the other trace elements followed by Ni and Cr. Of the toxic metals, the most represented is Cd, followed by Pb and As. There are differences in the concentration of micro- and macroelements in the mushrooms analysed, depending on the area from which they were collected because natural geology and geochemistry influence the content of macro- and microelements in wild edible mushrooms. The results show that the analysed mushrooms can be considered a good source of essential elements. The study also assessed potential health risks of heavy metals and the target hazard quotient (THQ) for As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr in the analysed mushrooms was lower than the safe level. The carcinogenic risk index revealed that Cd and Ni are the most prevalent pollutants in the mushrooms studied.

Download Full-text

Potential health risk assessment of toxic metals contamination in clay eaten as pica (geophagia) among pregnant women of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana.

10.21203/rs.2.16641/v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nii Korley Kortei ◽

Alice Koryo-Dabrah ◽

Papa Toah Akonor ◽

Nana Yaw Barima Manaphraim ◽

Matilda Ayim-Akonor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Health Risk ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Health Problems ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Potential Health ◽

Potential Health Risk ◽

Adverse Health ◽

Volta Region

Abstract Introduction: Geophagia although pleasurable and somewhat a necessity among pregnant women, also comes along with its own attendant problems such as exposure to potentially hazardous substances like bacteria, fungi, helminthes and ova, radioactive materials, and toxic elemental minerals in the soil depending on the geographical location.Methodology: This study evaluated the potential health risk involved during the exposure of pregnant women to toxic elemental minerals via the consumption of clay as pica (geophagia). Elemental mineral analysis was carried out using Buck Scientific 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Inc. East Norwalk, USA). Risk assessment methods were also used to ascertain the various risks factors and the overall risk level.Results: Concentrations of the macro elements investigated were 1.38 ± 1.5, 2.40± 1.5, 7.74± 1.5, 4.01± 1.0, 13.24± 2.2 and 13.76± 2.1 mg/Kg for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) respectively. While that for the micro elements were 1.63± 0.03 µg/Kg, 4.72±0.8, 0.53±0.02 and 1.85±0.3 mg/kg respectively for arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni). Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 0.611- 5.44 (mg/kg Bw/day), 6.26x10-4 – 106.5, 0.067-10.34 and 15 respectively.Conclusion: There is the likelihood of posing adverse health problems when clay samples obtained from Anfoega which is sited in the Volta region of Ghana is consumed due to the fact that the HQ’s of these elemental minerals were >1 which points to high content of Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni). It is also likely to cause adverse health problems in an individual’s life time since THQ for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel were above 1. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these toxicants were exceedingly great (≤ 15) which implied a high level of unsafety associated with this clay. Per the results from this study, it is not safe for pregnant women to consume clay as pica since these toxic elements may cause detrimental effects on the foetus of the unborn child.

Download Full-text

Risk Assessment of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury on Human Health in Relation to the Consumption of Farmed Sea Bass in Italy: A Meta-Analytical Approach

Frontiers in Marine Science ◽

10.3389/fmars.2021.616488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Calogero Di Bella ◽

Antonino Calagna ◽

Gaetano Cammilleri ◽

Pietro Schembri ◽

Daniela Lo Monaco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Human Health ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sea Bass ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Weekly Intake ◽

Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽

Significant Difference

A risk assessment, related to the consumption of farmed sea bass, was carried out by meta-analysis, taking into account the concentration of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Hg) reported in the literature, the estimated weekly intake (EWI), the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), and the target hazard quotient (THQ). The concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Hg in farmed sea bass marketed in Sicily (Southern Italy) were also assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to have screening data for the comparison with literature results. In any case, the results obtained by meta-analysis and by screening were lower than the pre-established legal limits for each metal. The meta-analysis results showed very low levels of Cd (0.031 μg g–1 w.w.), Pb (0.110 μg g–1 w.w.), and Hg (0.023 μg g–1 w.w.). The EWI estimation confirmed safety limits for human health (0.004, 0.015, and 0.003 μg kg–1 for Cd, Pb, and Hg, respectively). Even the THQ demonstrated that farmed sea bass represent a secure food for humans (0.0006, 0.0005, and 0.0048 for Cd, Pb, and Hg, respectively). The comparison with our screening data showed a significant difference only for the Pb levels (p < 0.05). The results obtained were compared with the same indexes relative to other food types (meat, cereals, vegetables, etc.). The EWI and THQ calculated were always lower than same indexes relative to other food types considered.

Download Full-text

The Influence of Compost Amendments on Bioaccumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements by Pea Plant Cultivated in Mine Degraded Soils

10.21203/rs.3.rs-880760/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Irfan ◽

Muhammad Azhar Shah ◽

Mehboob Alam ◽

Anwarzeb Khan ◽

Muhammad Amjad Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Health Risk ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Organic Amendments ◽

Organic Fertilizers ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Garden Soil ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Mining Soils

Abstract Potential toxic metals (PTEs) accumulation in soil and water is one of the major sources of food crop contamination. PTEs remediation from soil can be enhanced by addition of organic matter to the growing media. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different organic amendments on the accumulation of PTEs in pea plant grown on mine degraded soils. Mining soils from chromite mine (CM), soap stone mine (SSM), manganese mine (MM) and quartz mine (QM) were mixed with vermicompost (VC), leaf mould (LC) and spent mushroom compost (SMC) along with garden soil at 1:1:1 ratio. Various growth and yield related attributes of pea plant as well as PTEs concentrations in soil and plants were studied. The highest Cd (2.62 mg kg−1) and Cr (13.6 mg kg−1) concentration was reported in CM soil, while Pb (23.3 mg kg−1) and Mn (59.2 mg kg−1) concentration in SSM and MM soil, respectively. Mining soils significantly reduced the plant growth and yield, while organic amendments reduced the PTEs availability and increased pea plant growth. Comparing the various organic fertilizers used, it was observed that VC efficiently reduced Cd, Cr, Pb and Mn uptake by pea plant, subsequently, improved pea plant growth. In order to assess the effects of various amendments on PTEs health risk reduction various risk indices including, plant trafser factor, average daily intake, health risk, target hazard quotient and target cancer risk were also calculated and the results revealed that application of compost particularly VC significantly reduced the dietary intake and health risks of PTEs.

Download Full-text

Bioconcentration, Potential Health Risks, and a Receptor Prediction Model of Metal(loid)s in a Particular Agro-Ecological Area

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app9091902 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 1902 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kui Cai ◽

Zefeng Song

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Prediction Model ◽

Soil Properties ◽

Health Risks ◽

Agricultural Soils ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Potential Health ◽

Food Structure ◽

Accumulation Index

To investigate the bioconcentration and potential health risks of metal(loid)s in a particular agro-ecological area, 230 pairs of soil and corresponding crop grain samples were collected from typical corn and wheat plants. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), bioconcentration factors (BCF), health risk assessment (the target hazard quotient), and Receptor Prediction Model (PCS-SMLR) analysis were adopted to study the spatial distribution, assess the health risks, and predict the relationship between metal(loid)s and soil properties. It was found that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Cd in the study area’s agricultural soils exceeded the background soil concentrations, especially for Cd (0.2 mg/kg), Meanwhile, the corresponding Cd concentration in wheat samples was higher than the food quality limit. The results of the Igeo showed that the samples with a value higher than 0 for Cd and Hg accounted for 47.83% and 33.48%, respectively. The results of BCF of Cu, Zn, Cd, and As were higher in wheat than in corn, except for Ni. The target hazard quotient (TTHQ) of health risk of wheat, corn, and soil were higher for children (2.48) than adults (1.78), showing a potential health risk for individuals who mostly consume wheat. In addition, the PCS-SMLR analysis of the BCF prediction model for Cu, Zn, As, and soil properties showed differences in terms of the influences from wheat and corn. These results provide valuable information that not only can help local residents improve the staple food structure, but also can get provide a reference metal(loid)s concentration level for agricultural soils in the study area and restore a sustainable agro-ecological environment.

Download Full-text

Determination of acrylamide level in commercial baby foods and an assessment of infant dietary exposure

Food and Chemical Toxicology ◽

10.1016/j.fct.2012.05.023 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 50 (8) ◽

pp. 2722-2728 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Hanna Mojska ◽

Iwona Gielecińska ◽

Katarzyna Stoś

Keyword(s):

Dietary Exposure ◽

Baby Foods

Download Full-text

Contribution of Shellfish Consumption to Lower Mercury Health Risk for Residents in Northern Jiaozhou Bay, China

Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications ◽

10.1155/2015/159521 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lei Zhang ◽

Lei Zhang

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Human Exposure ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Jiaozhou Bay ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Mercury Content ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Aquatic Products ◽

Important Pathway

Fish and marine mammal consumption are an important pathway for human exposure to mercury. The low mercury content in shellfish poses a low mercury health risk to people who consume shellfish. The objectives of this study are to detect mercury concentrations in different species of shellfish and to calculate the mercury health risk from shellfish consumption among traditional residents near northern Jiaozhou Bay. A total of 356 shellfish samples, which comprised 7 species from 5 different places in northern Jiaozhou Bay, were collected from April to June in 2012. The average mercury content in the collected shellfish ranged from 0.024 mg·kg−1to 0.452 mg·kg−1. A total of 44 shellfish samples (12.36%) had mercury levels exceeding the national pollution-free aquatic products limit (0.3 mg·kg−1). Generally, the viscus had the highest mercury content among all parts of the shellfish. A positive correlation between mercury content and total weight/edible part weight was found in most species of the collected shellfish. The results showed that shellfish consumption resulted in the lower risk of mercury exposure to residents based on the calculation of daily intake (DI) and target hazard quotient (THQ).

Download Full-text