Pesticides in tomato paste on Egyptian markets and associated health risk

Heavy metal contamination in food has become a significant global food safety concern. This study assessed the concentrations of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, K, Mg, Na, Ni, Se, Pb, and Zn in 13 locally grown vegetables using microwave-assisted acid digestion and ICP-MS. The potential human health risks associated with their consumption were also evaluated. Vegetable samples were collected from the local farmer's market in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The mean levels (μg/g) of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Se, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Hg, Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb were 1001, 2935, 30474, 686.0, 52.90, 0.171, 37.63, 4.936, 21.33, 0.069, 0.0030, 0.049, 0.736, 0.083, 0.298, and 0.019, respectively, having the following decreasing trend: K > Mg > Na > Ca > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd > Se > As > Co > Cr > Pb > Hg. The highest total metals level was found in spinach, with the following decreasing order: spinach > tomato > sugar beet > white eggplant > cucumber ~ kale > green chili > green bean > dill ~ potato > capsicum > onion > corn. Spinach exhibited the highest concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg, which suggests a higher risk of metal exposure from its consumption. Toxic metals except Cd were found to be lower than the maximum allowable concentrations set by international agencies among the analyzed vegetables, while Cd levels were higher than maximum allowable levels in most of the vegetables. Health risks associated with metal intake by vegetable consumption were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated by the target hazard quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI), and carcinogenic risks were evaluated by target cancer risk (TCR). The EDI values of all the metals were found to be below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The highest EDI value for Mn, Zn, Hg, Cr, Cd, and Pb was noted in spinach. THQ values for Cd, Co, and As were higher than 1 in most of the vegetable species analyzed, indicating non-carcinogenic health effects to consumers. HI results also posed a non-carcinogenic health risk associated with the intake of these vegetables. Mean TCR values of Cr, Ni, As, and Cd indicated carcinogenic risk for consumers. This study showed that there are potential health risks with consumption of these vegetables. Lastly, regular monitoring of metal levels in vegetables is suggested/recommended to minimize health risks and support pollution control efforts.

Health benefit from decreasing exposure to heavy metals and metalloid after strict pollution control measures near a typical river basin area in China

Composite assessment of human health risk from potentially toxic elements through multiple exposure routes: A case study in farmland in an important industrial city in East China

Urban soils of 32 Indian cities were collected from literature-based data for the period of 2001-2019 to measure the contamination levels of six heavy metals including arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) and also evaluated the potential human health risk for adults and children. The results indicated that concentrations of six heavy metals in the urban soils were much higher than both geochemical background values (Grade-I) and also Canadian soil quality guideline values (Grade-II) in most of the cities in India. Higher concentration of Cr and Ni was in cities mainly located in southern (Karnataka), northern (Uttar Pradesh), and eastern (Odisha); As and Pb primarily in central (Telangana), while Zn and Cu largely in western (Maharashtra) and eastern (Jharkhand) states of India, respectively. The index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) values varied largely and showed moderately polluted to extremely polluted levels, possibly caused/influenced by anthropogenic activity in the urban regions in India. The non-carcinogenic health risk due to Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb in most urban regions was lower than the threshold value (HI < 1), indicating no non-carcinogenic health risk for adults and children. As and Cr on children, non-carcinogenic risk was very higher than that of adults, and their risk values were also exceeded the threshold value, indicating that As and Cr in the urban soils posed considerable non-carcinogenic health risks on urban residents. The total carcinogenic/cancer risk due to Pb in most urban regions was lower than the recommended limit of 1.00E-04, while Cr and As have shown potential cancer risk for both adults and children. Therefore, As and Cr are the sole heavy metals that cause potential health risk in an urban region residents in India, which needs to be paid more attention and also controlling measures should be initiated.

The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks arising from potential exposure to heavy metals pose a negative threat to human health. In this study, heavy metals (Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn) analyses were conducted in the waters of four creeks in the Mogan Lake Basin (Sukesen Creek, Başpınar Creek, Yavrucak Creek, Gölcük Creek) under anthropogenic pressure. In the water samples taken from the creeks that also contribute to Mogan Lake, which has significant recreational importance in the basin: a) The non-carcinogenic health risks (HQ) of exposure to heavy metals through ingestion and dermal routes were identified for adults and children, b) The total potential non-carcinogenic health risks for adults and children were determined using the hazard index (HI). The total HI (THI) value was calculated as the sum of individual HIs (HIingestion + HIdermal), c) Carcinogenic health risk (CR) values were calculated for three heavy metals (Cr, Ni and As). According to the findings: a) Ingestion HQ values were found to be higher in adults and children due to As compared to dermal HQ values. According to the HI values, there was a high level of non-carcinogenic health risk in terms of heavy metals in Sukesen, Başpınar, and Gölcük Creeks, varying according to the month and age group. However, for Yavrucak Creek, there has not been appeared to be a non-carcinogenic health risk for adults and children, b) According to the calculated HQdermal and HIdermal values, there was no significant adverse health risk due to dermal exposure for adults and children, c) Children hazard index values were found to be higher than adult hazard index values, highlighting that children were at higher health risk most particularly when it comes to the considered heavy metals, d) The THI values for Sukesen and Başpınar Creeks indicated a significant non-carcinogenic health risk possibility for both adults and children in all sampled months. In Gölcük Creek, a serious non-carcinogenic health risk probability was observed for adults in April and for children during the sampling period, e) The calculated CR values for chromium, nickel, and arsenic indicated that the ingestion pathway poses a higher risk compared to the dermal route, expressing the likelihood of cancer incidence in adults and children. In the context of potential health hazards, to take administrative measures regarding heavy metal contamination, particularly in Başpınar and Sukesen Creeks, is important not only for the protection of public health but also for the sustainability of Mogan Lake.

The level of inhalable particulate matter (PM10) in the Yellow River Delta (YERD), an oil production area in north China, are generally high, resulting in an increase exposure to heavy metals (HMs) from soil. This exposure increases during winter and spring periods. In order to determine potential health risks posed by 9 HMs (i.e. Cr, Cd, As, Cu, Hg, Ni, Mn, Zn and Pb) in this area, high density sampling of surface soils across the YERD was undertaken. Results indicate that even through PM10 is generally high, no significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks in YERD were identified. Ingestion rather than inhalation or dermal contact is the main exposure pathway. Hazard Index (HI) and total probability of carcinogenic risk (TCR) values indicated that children experienced higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Arsenic contributed the most to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks, while the effects of other HMs were minor. Our results also demonstrate that, based on the spatial trending of HI and TCR of high-risk areas, oil production will cause an unacceptable level of health risk. Due to the close proximity of this area to the coast, the wash effect of sea water will remove HMs from the soil and lower the health risks. Therefore, investigations related to coastal oilfields should investigate the transfer of HMs to seawater or local sediments. Our results provide a basis for environmental management in the YERD and other rapidly developing industrial regions around the world.

Background Heavy metals in food, such as vegetables, may pose a serious health danger, making their consumption a public concern. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary intake of heavy metals and their potential health risks in some vegetables consumed in Kaduna Metropolis. Methods Commonly consumed vegetable samples were purchased from five markets in Metropolis using random systematic sampling. These samples were rinsed, air dried, pulverised, and allowed to pass through a British Standard (BS) mesh (BS 125mm). The same vegetable types (5) from the same market were composed by the coning and quartering method, which was eventually analysed using a non-disruptive Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrophotometric method for heavy metal content. Results Estimated Maximum Daily Intake (EMDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for both adults and children were used to quantify the potential public health risk posed by the consumption of these vegetables. The total average concentrations of the heavy metals and their EMDI were ranked as follows: iron &gt; copper &gt; zinc &gt; manganese &gt; molybdenum &gt; chromium &gt; cobalt &gt; nickel. With a few exceptions, the non-carcinogenic risk (HQ and HI values) for the majority of the vegetables was excessive (&gt; 1) for both adults and children. Both adults and children show moderate to high carcinogenic health risks for three of the heavy metals (Cr, Cu, and Ni) examined for carcinogenic health risk (ILCR), with the exception of a few vegetables. Conclusion This study gave an insight into possible potential high risk of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks from the consumption of vegetables on sale in Kaduna metropolis. Consequently, there is need for prompt action to control heavy metals sources in the environment as well as vegetables to protect public health.

Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), a widely consumed fish in the Persian Gulf, may accumulate hazardous, potentially toxic elements due to environmental pollution. This study assessed concentrations of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), inorganic arsenic (iAs), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in mackerel fillets. It evaluated potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Thirty fish samples were analyzed using ICP-AES. Chronic daily intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) were calculated for adults and children, with uncertainty assessed via a Monte Carlo Simulation model. Mean potentially toxic elements concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) ranked: Pb (0.145) > Ni (0.118) > iAs (0.234) > Cu (0.020) > Co (0.008) > Cr (0.002) > Cd (0.0001). Non-carcinogenic risk (TTHQ) was below 1 for adults (0.342) but higher for children (0.711). Carcinogenic risk (ILCR) for adults (1.44 × 10−4) slightly exceeded the tolerable limit (1 × 10−4). Indian mackerel consumption poses no carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic health risks to consumers.

BackgroundThe presence of acrylamide at different levels in many foods in our daily diet is a very alarming situation for public health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acrylamide exposure of adolescents resulting from the consumption of French fries in terms of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks and to reveal its relationship with heart health.MethodsThis study was conducted on adolescents aged 13–15 years living in Türkiye. Firstly, a scale with tested reliability was used to determine the heart health behaviours of adolescents. Then, the acrylamide exposure levels were determined according to the deterministic model by taking the french fries consumption data of the adolescents for a retrospective 24-hour period. Acrylamide exposure level was then evaluated in terms of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Statistical differences between the groups were analysed by independent t test, Mann Whitney U test, Welch Test and Kruskal Wallis Test. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the degree of non-causal relationships.ResultsAll adolescents showed normal cardiovascular behaviour (63 ± 11). The acrylamide exposure level of all adolescents from French fries consumption ranged between 0–2.60 µg/kg/day. The mean THQ (Target Hazard Quotient) value for all adolescents was 0.11 ± 0.27 and the mean CR (Carcinogenic risk) value was 1.10E-05 ± 2.69E-04. Since the THQ value was lower than the reference value, the consumption of French fries was considered safe for adolescents. However, the CR value indicates the presence of potential carcinogenic health risks. There was no statistical difference between the acrylamide exposure level, THQ and CR values according to the cardiovascular behaviour scores of adolescents, whereas a statistical difference was found only between the BMI (body mass index) subcategories.ConclusionThe acrylamide exposure level calculated for adolescents is relatively high compared to other studies in the literature. Carcinogenic health risks associated with the consumption of French fries have been identified. It is thought that the results of the study will contribute to the studies and strategies to be developed to reduce dietary acrylamide exposure.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24053-9.

We studied Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Hg in three agricultural areas of Hunan province and determined the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for residents. Soil and brown rice samples from Shimen, Fenghuang, and Xiangtan counties were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Soil levels of Cd and Hg were greatest, followed by As and Ni. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in brown rice were Cd 0.325, Cr 0.109, As 0.344, Ni 0.610, Mn 9.03, Pb 0.023, and Hg 0.071 mg/kg, respectively. Cd and Hg had greater transfer ability from soil to rice than the other elements. Daily intake of heavy metals through brown rice consumption were estimated to be Cd 2.30, Cr 0.775, As 2.45, Ni 4.32, Pb 0.162, Mn 64.6 and Hg 0.503 µg/(kg·day), respectively. Cd, Hg and As Hazard Quotient values were greater than 1 and Cd, Cr, As and Ni Cancer Risk values were all greater than 10−4. The total non-carcinogenic risk factor was 14.6 and the total carcinogenic risk factor was 0.0423. Long-term exposure to heavy metals through brown rice consumption poses both potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the local residents.

Soil cadmium (Cd) contamination resulted from mining and smelting is a major environmental concern, and health risk associated with Cd exposure to multi-media through muti-pathway is increasing. Cd concentrations in soils, vegetables and paddy rice were investigated, and potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks exposure to Cd were estimated at six villages around the Dabaoshan Mine, South China. A total of 87 soil samples were found to exceed the China’s maximum permission level (MPL) for Cd, while the highest value of 4.42 mg/kg was found near irrigation ditch associated with Hengshi River in Xinyi (XY) Village. Cd contents in vegetables and rice exceeded the maximum permissible concentration by more than five times in every village. Cadmium accumulation in plants is in the order of celery > lactuca sativa L > Chinese cabbage > Romaine lettuce > asparagus lettuce > mustard > cabbage mustard > cabbage. The mean hazard quotient (HQ) of all villages is in the range of [5.29, 25.75], and the mean values of cancer risk for investigated areas are more than 10 times greater than the USEPA (2009) threshold limit value of 10−4. Moreover, human non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks are mainly attributable to paddy rice intake, followed by vegetables intake, soil ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The results indicate that Cd has a huge potential risk on human health for the local residents.

Evaluation of groundwater quality with multi-source pollution based on source identification and health risks

Urban areas with rapid industrial development have major impacts on environmental soil quality. This study was carried out to determine contamination assessment of heavy metal concentration of urban soil from Klang district (Malaysia). Health risk assessment was used to determine potential health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks) in both adults and children. Moreover, this study was also used to identify the most significant contaminant and exposure pathway with regard to Klang urban soil. Mean bioavailability of heavy metal concentrations were found in the order of Fe (6.65 mg/kg) > Zn (5.61 mg/kg) > Cu (2.96 mg/kg) > Co (0.22 mg/kg) > Cd (0.14 mg/kg) > Pb (0.11 mg/kg) > Cr (0.10 mg/kg). Maximum values of Cd (0.64 mg/kg), Cu (52.14 mg/kg) and Pb (9.18 mg/kg) have exceeded some guidelines and standard values. Study findings showed that total carcinogenic risks values of Cd, Cr and Pb are more than incremental lifetime (1.0E-05). This indicates the likehood of having cancer threat for adults and children. While for total non-carcinogenic risk, none of the heavy metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) showed Hazard Index values more than one indicating there is no any potential non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children in study area. From this study, Cd is the most significant contaminant as maximum concentration value has exceeded soil guidelines and potential to have carcinogenic risks to adults and children. Pathway order for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks is ingestion > dermal > inhalation where ingestion pathway contributed the most to potential health risks involving urban soil of Klang.

Dietary exposure assessment of organochlorine pesticides in two commonly grown leafy vegetables in South-western Nigeria

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent environmental contaminants that can accumulate in animal-derived foods and pose potential risks to human health. This study aimed to investigate the presence, concentration, and potential health risks of selected OCP residues in raw goat milk collected from dairy farms in Kastamonu, Türkiye. Raw goat milk samples were collected from 20 goat farms located in urban and rural areas of Kastamonu province. A total of 23 OCP compounds were screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Detected residues were compared with established maximum residue limits (MRLs), and potential non-carcinogenic health risks were assessed using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values. Among the analyzed compounds, β-endosulfan, methoxychlor, and p,p'-DDE were detected in the samples. Methoxychlor was the most frequently detected compound, present in 70% of the samples, with concentrations exceeding the MRL in 13 of the 14 positive samples. β-Endosulfan and p,p'-DDE were detected in four samples each but remained below their respective MRLs. A statistically significant difference between urban and rural farms was observed only for β-endosulfan (p = 0.015). Health risk assessment indicated that HQ values for β-endosulfan (0.0031), methoxychlor (0.0159), and p,p'-DDE (5.29 × 10- 5) were all below the acceptable risk threshold (HQ < 1), with a total HI of approximately 0.019. Although OCP residues were detected, the estimated exposure levels suggest no significant non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers. However, the detection of banned pesticides highlights their environmental persistence and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and environmental surveillance.