Abstract
In this study, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in a total of 129 tea samples marketed in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) regions of China. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs (Σ16 PAHs) varied from 16.6 to 781.6 μg/kg with a mean value of 211.7 μg/kg. Tea samples were contaminated mainly with low molecular weight PAH compounds. During tea infusion, 4.9–9.3% of the Σ16 PAHs contained in different types of tea samples were released into the liquor. The dietary exposure of PAHs and risk assessments of adults in BTH region were then performed by calculating estimated daily intake (EDI), margin of exposure approach (MOE) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). Compared to semi-fermented or unfermented tea samples, EDIs of PAHs in fullyfermented tea displayed the highest exposure risk. The MOEs results in all six types tea for local population are at safe range (MOE ≥ 10,000). These ILCR values indicated there is significant potential of carcinogenic risk related to tea consumption, but no significant cancer risk.
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