Exposure to toxic metals through food in some population groups in South East Serbia

Abstract

Introduction: Food is one of the main factors of survival on this planet. However, in some cases, food may pose a high health risk, if it contains dangerous contaminants from the environment. Objectives: of this study was to determine exposure to toxic metals (lead and cadmium) in different population groups through food in South East Serbia. Method / Design: Sampling of food were carried out on the territory of South East Serbia (960 samples)) during last ten years (2005-2014.). Chemical analysis for the presence of lead and cadmium were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry on a Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 600 in an accredited laboratory of the Institute of Public Health Niš (ISO / IEC 17025: 2006). Examination of the meal was done by technique of double rations and composite technology. Results: A small number of food samples (0.92%) due to faulty toxic metals, but in most of the samples metals were present in measurable concentrations. Dietary intake of Pb and Cd in children aged 1-9 years, who eat in kindergarten, does not exceed tolerable daily intake (0.056 mgPb/day and 0.005 mg Cd /day). Dietary intake of Pb in adult professional non-exposed people is 0.198 mg/day, which is below the tolerable daily intake. In fact, the largest share of the total Pb input have cereals and cereal products (28.2%), followed by vegetables (22.8%), fruits (15.7%) and milk products (13.9%), while other types of foods much less participate the total input. Imported food products have slightly higher content of Pb and Cd in relation to food of domestic origin. Conclusions: Exposure to toxic metals in food is not high among professional unexposed populations in South East Serbia. However, nutritional intake is just one of the possible entry of these toxic substances. Other forms of exposure (air, water, general use) can also significantly contribute to the overall intake of these hazardous contaminants. Therefore, a permanent monitoring in order to timely and properly taken measures to protect the health of exposed populations in South East Serbia these contaminants.