Abstract
ISEE-0020 Background and Objective: In big countries nutrition profiles differ significantly between different regions and even areas within a region. On the other hand, although modern-day trade has virtually erased geographic differences in the composition of foodstuffs, still in many areas locally produced foodstuffs constitute a major part of nutrition, while their chemical contamination depends on contamination of soils. Thus one needs an approach to assessing toxic exposures through food not only on national but also on local level. Methods: We have developed a personal questionnaire (Q) for estimating (a) average daily consumption of 44 types of foodstuffs, and (b) for 12 of them – the percentage contribution of the main sources of supply. We distribute this Q among households to be filled in. Depending on results of data analysis, we choose foodstuffs (usually about 30 names) for determining their contamination with chemicals. Based on the obtained data it is decided whether for some foodstuffs samples from different sources are necessary. Where family kitchen gardens are located in areas with significantly unequal levels of chemical contamination, samples of vegetables grown in each of them are analyzed separately. Results: We have tested this approach in 7 townships and found differences among them as well as among children and adults in respect to toxic exposures through food. People with a relatively high income consume more milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry and fruit but less bread and potatoes than those with medium or low income, whereas ca. 80% of consumed potatoes are grown locally and thus depend on each area's contamination with lead and other pollutants. Although daily intakes of toxicants do not exceed WHO tolerable levels, their contribution to the total environmentally dependent dose is very important. Conclusion: The methodology described above can be recommended for use in epidemiological and risk assessment studies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
