重庆市居民重金属膳食摄入水平研究

为了解重庆市居民砷、镉、汞的膳食摄入水平,采用分层多级整群随机抽样方法,经城乡经济排序,并按公共营养学要求,选取重庆市1213户居民为调查对象,应用中国总膳食研究方法,采集了当地12类主要食物样品,采用原子吸收分光光度法(AAS)和冷原子吸收分光光度法(CVAAS)测定了砷、镉、汞的含量,并运用FAO/WHO推荐的ADI值/PTWI值评价了居民膳食摄入的健康风险.结果显示,1)蛋类砷含量为允许限量的3.0倍;水果类镉含量为允许限量的2.4倍,汞含量为允许限量的4.0倍;2)各年龄组对砷、汞的膳食摄入量均低于ADI值,对镉的摄入量则大大超过ADI值.谷类和水果是各年龄组人群摄入砷、镉的主要膳食来源,水果类是汞的主要膳食来源;3)农村居民摄入的3种重金属含量均低于城镇居民,城乡居民对砷、汞的摄入量在允许限量ADI值的范围内,但通过食物摄入的镉含量超过了允许限量ADI值,达到ADI值的121%.     

Toxic metal health risk by mussel consumption

Seafood is a major dietary food worldwide. However, seafood consumption by humans can induce health risk because seafood may be contaminated by various pollutants. The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is widely distributed in the coastal waters of Montenegro, SouthEast Adriatic Sea. Here, Zn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, As, and Hg contents in M. galloprovincialis from ten sites were analyzed to investigate health risks associated with the consumption of wild and cultivated mussels. Since there is a lack of data on the mussel consumption rate in Montenegro, the amount of mussels that can be ingested weekly over a lifetime with no risk of negative health effects was calculated using provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI). We found that Cd concentrations were the limiting factor for mussels as a food. The weekly consumptions of 0.64–1.2 kg of fresh wild and 0.84–1.2 kg of fresh cultivated mussel would be sufficient to reach the PTWI_Cd, which may result in a risky weekly intake of Cd for long-term exposure. Moreover, weekly intake of 125 g mussels was used to calculate the dietary intake of trace elements by mussel consumption and compared with the prescribed PTWIs. Here, we found that there is no risk for human health for all investigated elements. In this case, the highest Cd level obtained in wild and in cultivated mussels represents 19.8 and 14.9% of the PTWI_Cd, respectively. This is the first study in Montenegro giving an assessment of the health risk from trace elements via the consumption of wild and cultivated M. galloprovincialis.     

Estimated lead (Pb) exposures for a population of urban community gardeners

Urban community gardens provide affordable, locally grown, healthy foods and many other benefits. However, urban garden soils can contain lead (Pb) that may pose risks to human health. To help evaluate these risks, we measured Pb concentrations in soil, vegetables, and chicken eggs from New York City community gardens, and we asked gardeners about vegetable consumption and time spent in the garden. We then estimated Pb intakes deterministically and probabilistically for adult gardeners, children who spend time in the garden, and adult (non-gardener) household members. Most central tendency Pb intakes were below provisional total tolerable intake (PTTI) levels. High contact intakes generally exceeded PTTIs. Probabilistic estimates showed approximately 40 % of children and 10 % of gardeners exceeding PTTIs. Children’s exposure came primarily from dust ingestion and exposure to higher Pb soil between beds. Gardeners’ Pb intakes were comparable to children’s (in µg/day) but were dominated by vegetable consumption. Adult household members ate less garden-grown produce than gardeners and had the lowest Pb intakes. Our results suggest that healthy gardening practices to reduce Pb exposure in urban community gardens should focus on encouraging cultivation of lower Pb vegetables (i.e., fruits) for adult gardeners and on covering higher Pb non-bed soils accessible to young children. However, the common practice of replacement of root-zone bed soil with clean soil (e.g., in raised beds) has many benefits and should also continue to be encouraged.     

Human health impacts of exposure to metals through extreme consumption of fish from the Colombian Caribbean Sea

The health risks of metal exposure due to the high consumption of fish were assessed for a riverine population living on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The concentrations of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the edible tissues of fish were determined and used for risk assessment. The daily fish consumption of residents (n = 95) was as high as 283, 366 and 469 g/day in children (CH), women of childbearing age (WCHA) and the remaining population groups (RP), respectively. The estimation of the potential risk (HQ) indicated that there was no health risk from most of the metals, because they did not exceed their related reference doses, with values of HQ < 1. Although the concentrations of Pb and Hg were not particularly high in fish (<0.2 µg/g), their possible health effects for vulnerable groups are of great concern due to the extremely high fish intake. The Pb intake for all groups was higher than the lower confidence limit of the benchmark dose for nephrotoxicity and neurodevelopmental effects in children. The weekly intake of methylmercury was also elevated, with values approximately 3, 2 and 1.5 times the provisional tolerable weekly intake for CH, WCHA and RP, respectively. Moreover, higher Hg levels were found in top predators, whereas maximum levels for other metals were found in bottom-feeding fish. This study highlights that an accurate data of daily intake, a continuous monitoring of metals in fish and their related fish consumption advisories to protect subsistence fishing communities are recommended in a local and worldwide context.     

Population health risk via dietary exposure to trace elements (Cu,Zn, Pb,Cd, Hg,and As) in Qiqihar,Northeastern China

The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of six trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As) in vegetables (leafy vegetable, i.e., bok choy, fruit vegetables, i.e., cucumber and tomato, and other categories, i.e., mushroom, kidney bean, and potato), cereals (rice and wheat flour), and meats (pork, mutton, and beef) most commonly consumed by adult inhabitants of Qiqihar, Northeastern China, were determined to assess the health status of local people. The average EDIs of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As were with 20.77 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Cu, 288 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Zn, 2.01 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Pb, 0.41 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Cd, 0.01 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Hg, and 0.52 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of As, respectively, which are below the daily allowance recommended by FAO/WHO. However, the maximum EDIs of Pb and Cd were 4.56 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 and 1.68 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1, respectively, which are above the recommended levels [i.e., 3.58 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 for Pb and 1.0 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 for Cd] by FAO/WHO. This finding indicates that the potential health risk induced by daily ingestion of Pb and Cd for the local residents should receive a significant concern. Similarly, we detected elevated Pb and Cd concentrations, i.e., with average of 13.58 and 0.60 mg kg^?1 dw, respectively, in the adult scalp hairs. Consumption of rice, potato, bok choy, and wheat flour contributed to 75 and 82% of Pb and Cd daily intake from foodstuffs. Nevertheless, human scalp hair is inappropriate biological material for determination of the nutritional status of trace elements in this region.     

铜仁市土壤-玉米重金属含量及其健康风险

为了解铜仁市玉米地土壤和玉米籽粒重金属的含量分布特征,并评估当地居民通过玉米籽粒摄入重金属的健康风险.于2018年7月采集了铜仁市自然土壤样品65个、玉米地土壤样品122个和玉米样品100个,并分析其Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、As、Hg含量,通过重金属摄入量评价居民膳食暴露的健康风险.结果表明,自然土壤Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、As和Hg的含量均值分别为0.148、23.09、29.60、103.6、37.73、16.43、0.144 mg·kg^-1;玉米地土壤Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、As和Hg的含量均值分别为0.273、30.00、27.79、103.4、29.89、13.58、1.037 mg·kg^-1.以《土壤环境质量农用地土壤污染风险管控标准》(GB 15618—2018)中的风险筛选值作为限量标准,玉米地土壤Cd、As和Hg超标率分别为18.9%、19.7%和17.2%;以风险管制值为限量标准,玉米地土壤Hg超标率为10.7%.依据GB 2762—2017《食品中污染物限量》,玉米籽粒Cd和Pb超标率分别为7.0%和44%.人体健康风险评价表明,居民通过食用玉米籽粒的重金属健康风险THQ值均小于1,表明食用当地玉米对居民的健康不会造成明显影响.     

三峡库区居民膳食结构与重金属摄入水平研究

采用分层多级整群随机抽样方法,经城乡经济排序,并按公共营养学要求,选取地处三峡库区中心位置的重庆市石柱县549户居民作为调查对象,对库区居民膳食结构进行了调查,同时应用总膳食研究方法,采集了当地12类主要蔬菜、肉类、粮食等样品,测定了铅、砷、镉、汞等4种重金属元素含量,分析了库区居民的重金属摄入水平.结果显示,1)除谷类、豆类、薯类和糖类外,城镇居民对其余各类食物的摄入量均高于农村居民的摄入量,城乡居民对谷类、蔬菜、水果、奶制品的摄入量还存在不足;2)库区食物中铅、镉超标较严重,其中乳类、蛋类铅含量分别为允许限量的4.98、4.54倍,砷、汞超标情况相对较轻;3)库区居民通过食物摄入的铅、砷、镉、汞4种有害重金属元素水平均低于相应的ADI值,但城镇居民、农村居民摄入的镉元素水平分别达到ADI值的86.88%和75.35%,应当引起警惕;4)薯类、谷类和蔬菜类食品是库区居民重金属摄入的主要膳食来源.     

华东地区鳜肌肉重金属含量现状与风险分析

为了解我国华东地区鳜肌肉重金属含量现状,采集华东地区(江西南昌,安徽池州、滁州,江苏南京、扬州,浙江建德等)10个采样点野生鳜和池塘主养、池塘套养鳜样本共60份,采用原子荧光光谱分析法(AFS)、石墨炉原子吸收法(GFAAS)测定鳜背部肌肉中铬(Cr)、镉(Cd)、无机砷(As)、汞(Hg)和铅(Pb)等5种重金属的含量,评估其食用安全性与健康风险。结果表明,肌肉中Cd、Cr、Pb、As和Hg的总检出率为98.67%,总超标率为11.67%;其中,Pb、Cd和As超标样,分别占总样本量的28.33%、15%和15%,超标浓度为(0.612±0.111)、(0.181±0.031)和(0.474±0.035) mg·kg~(-1),71.43%的超标样分布于野生鳜群体;Cr、Hg的检出含量均低于我国鱼类水产品重金属的最高限量标准(GB 2762—2017)。3种养殖方式的鳜肌肉中重金属含量分布具有相似的规律(Pb>As>Cr=Cd>Hg),野生鳜肌肉中重金属含量高于人工养殖鳜,池塘主养鳜与池塘套养鳜之间无明显差异。食用安全性评价结果显示,目前,华东地区鳜达到国家标准的限量要求,仅Pb、As含量稍高,分别占周可耐受摄入量(PTWI)的14.42%和21.54%。健康风险评价结果显示,所有鳜样均未超过国际辐射防护委员会(ICRP)推荐的最大可接受水平(5×10~(-5)a~(-1))。野生鳜食用安全性低于人工养殖鳜,健康风险高于人工养殖鳜。上述研究结果为鳜水产品安全性评价与健康养殖提供了基础数据。     

Heavy metal contamination in soils and food crops around Dabaoshan mine in Guangdong,China: implication for human health

This study was designed to investigate heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) contamination levels of soils, vegetables, and rice grown in the vicinity of the Dabaoshan mine, south China. The concentration of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in paddy soil exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for Chinese agricultural soil. The heavy metal concentrations (mg kg⁻¹, dry weight basis) in vegetables ranged from 5.0 to 14.3 for Cu, 34.7 to 170 for Zn, 0.90 to 2.23 for Pb, and 0.45 to 4.1 for Cd. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in rice grain exceeded the maximum permissible limits in China. Dietary intake of Pb and Cd through the consumption of rice and certain vegetable exceeded the recommended dietary allowance levels. The status of heavy metal concentrations of food crops grown in the vicinity of Dabaoshan mine and their implications for human health should be further investigated.     

Blood concentrations of lead,cadmium, mercury and their association with biomarkers of DNA oxidative damage in preschool children living in an e-waste recycling area

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA damage occurs in heavy metal exposure, but the simultaneous effect on DNA repair is unknown. We investigated the influence of co-exposure of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) on 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and human repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOGG1) mRNA levels in exposed children to evaluate the imbalance of DNA damage and repair. Children within the age range of 3–6 years from a primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling town were chosen as participants to represent a heavy metal-exposed population. 8-OHdG in the children’s urine was assessed for heavy metal-induced oxidative effects, and the hOGG1 mRNA level in their blood represented the DNA repair ability of the children. Among the children surveyed, 88.14% (104/118) had a blood Pb level >5 μg/dL, 22.03% (26/118) had a blood Cd level >1 μg/dL, and 62.11% (59/95) had a blood Hg level >10 μg/dL. Having an e-waste workshop near the house was a risk factor contributing to high blood Pb (r _s  = 0.273, p < 0.01), while Cd and Hg exposure could have come from other contaminant sources. Preschool children of fathers who had a college or university education had significantly lower 8-OHdG levels (median 242.76 ng/g creatinine, range 154.62–407.79 ng/g creatinine) than did children of fathers who had less education (p = 0.035). However, we did not observe a significant difference in the mRNA expression levels of hOGG1 between the different variables. Compared with children having low lead exposure (quartile 1), the children with high Pb exposure (quartiles 2, 3, and 4) had significantly higher 8-OHdG levels (β _Q2 = 0.362, 95% CI 0.111–0.542; β _Q3 = 0.347, 95% CI 0.103–0.531; β _Q4 = 0.314, 95% CI 0.087–0.557). Associations between blood Hg levels and 8-OHdG were less apparent. Compared with low levels of blood Hg (quartile 1), elevated blood Hg levels (quartile 2) were associated with higher 8-OHdG levels (β _Q2 = 0.236, 95% CI 0.039–0.406). Compared with children having low lead exposure (quartile 1), the children with high Pb exposure (quartiles 2, 3, and 4) had significantly higher 8-OHdG levels.     

Oral bioaccessibility of inorganic contaminants in waste dusts generated by laterite Ni ore smelting

The laterite Ni ore smelting operations in Niquelândia and Barro Alto (Goiás State, Brazil) have produced large amounts of fine-grained smelting wastes, which have been stockpiled on dumps and in settling ponds. We investigated granulated slag dusts (n = 5) and fly ash samples (n = 4) with a special focus on their leaching behaviour in deionised water and on the in vitro bioaccessibility in a simulated gastric fluid, to assess the potential exposure risk for humans. Bulk chemical analyses indicated that both wastes contained significant amounts of contaminants: up to 2.6 wt% Ni, 7580 mg/kg Cr, and 508 mg/kg Co. In only one fly ash sample, after 24 h of leaching in deionised water, the concentrations of leached Ni exceeded the limit for hazardous waste according to EU legislation, whereas the other dusts were classified as inert wastes. Bioaccessible fractions (BAF) of the major contaminants (Ni, Co, and Cr) were quite low for the slag dusts and accounted for less than 2 % of total concentrations. In contrast, BAF values were significantly higher for fly ash materials, which reached 13 % for Ni and 19 % for Co. Daily intakes via oral exposure, calculated for an adult (70 kg, dust ingestion rate of 50 mg/day), exceeded neither the tolerable daily intake (TDI) nor the background exposure limits for all of the studied contaminants. Only if a higher ingestion rate is assumed (e.g. 100 mg dust per day for workers in the smelter), the TDI limit for Ni recently defined by European Food Safety Authority (196 µg/day) was exceeded (324 µg/day) for one fly ash sample. Our data indicate that there is only a limited risk to human health related to the ingestion of dust materials generated by laterite Ni ore smelting operations if appropriate safety measures are adopted at the waste disposal sites and within the smelter facility.     

Dust from Zambian smelters: mineralogy and contaminant bioaccessibility

Metal smelting is often responsible for local contamination of environmental compartments. Dust materials escaping from the smelting facilities not only settle in the soil, but can also have direct effects on populations living close to these operations (by ingestion or inhalation). In this particular study, we investigate dusts from Cu–Co metal smelters in the Zambian Copperbelt, using a combination of mineralogical techniques (XRD, SEM/EDS, and TEM/EDS), in order to understand the solid speciation of the contaminants, as well as their bioaccessibility using in vitro tests in simulated gastric and lung fluids to assess the exposure risk for humans. The leaching of metals was mainly dependent on the contaminant mineralogy. Based on our results, a potential risk can be recognized, particularly from ingestion of the dust, with bioaccessible fractions ranging from 21 to 89 % of the total contaminant concentrations. In contrast, relatively low bioaccessible fractions were observed for simulated lung fluid extracts, with values ranging from 0.01 % (Pb) up to 16.5 % (Co) of total contaminant concentrations. Daily intakes via oral exposure, calculated for an adult (70 kg, ingestion rate 50 mg dust per day), slightly exceeded the tolerable daily intake limits for Co (1.66× for fly ash and 1.19× for slag dust) and occasionally also for Pb (1.49×, fly ash) and As (1.64×, electrostatic precipitator dust). Cobalt has been suggested as the most important pollutant, and the direct pathways of the population’s exposures to dust particles in the industrial parts of the Zambian Copperbelt should be further studied in interdisciplinary investigations.     

Pb,Cd, Zn and cu intakes of Taiwanese subjects ‐ a duplicate portion study

Thirty diet samples from three different social groups were collected both in summer and in winter seasons using duplicate portion technique with three collection days. Toxic element concentrations, including Pb, Cd, as well as some essential elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The average dietary intakes of Taiwanese were estimated as follows (means ± S.D., n = 30): Mg, 175 ± 77 mg/day; Zn, 9.5 ± 11.4 mg/day; Mn, 2.8 ± 1.3 mg/day; Cu, 1.6±1.7mg/day; Ni, 0.13 ± 0.14 mg/day; Cd, 58 ± 62 μg/day, and Pb, 31 ±26 μg/day. The obtained elemental concentrations were scattered due to different dietary habits and cooking methods. In addition, a strong correlation arose between the trace element concentrations in agricultural products and in the diet of regional areas of Taiwan. Analysis results indicated that average intakes are consistently below current US Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for Mg and Zn, within the recommended safe and adequate RDA for Mn, and below the FAO/WHO Provisional Tolerable Daily Intakes (PTDIs) for Pb. The average daily intakes of Cd by regional area of Taiwan markedly exceeded those of other countries and the PTI value during the summer.     

Human health risk from Pb in urban street dust in northern UK cities

The presence of Pb in the environment can cause significant health problems. These issues are exasperated when the lead is in a more amenable form for potential ingestion. This study investigates the potential human health risk from Pb in urban street dusts. The lead levels in urban street dust in major city centres in northern UK have been compared to levels determined in 35 cities around the world. With a few exceptions, it was noted that the mean Pb levels in this study exceeded those found in other cities worldwide. Samples (n = 15) of urban street dust were collected across five city centres, and specifically in areas in which pedestrians are likely to concentrate, as well as near historical buildings. Typical total lead concentrations across all sampling sites ranged from 306 to 558 mg/kg. The human health risk was assessed using oral bioaccessibility testing of the urban street dust. The mean oral bioaccessibility data, irrespective of site and sample location, were in the range 43 ± 9 %. The total and bioaccessible concentrations of lead were compared to the estimated tolerable daily intake (TDI_oral) values based on unintentional soil/dust consumption. It is noted, in all cases, that the maximum estimated lead daily intake exceeded the TDI_oral. An alternative approach for assessing the daily intake is proposed based on the actual measured air quality in selected cities on the same day as the sampled urban dust.     

Heavy metal contamination and human health risk assessment in drinking water from shallow groundwater wells in an agricultural area in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand

Most local people in the agricultural areas of Hua-ruea sub-district, Ubon Ratchathani province (Thailand), generally consume shallow groundwater from farm wells. This study aimed to assess the health risk related to heavy metal contamination in that groundwater. Samples were randomly collected from 12 wells twice in each of the rainy and the dry seasons and were analyzed by inductive coupled plasma spectrometry-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration of detected metals in each well and the overall mean were below the acceptable groundwater standard limits for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn, but Pb levels were higher in four wells with an overall average Pb concentration of 16.66 ± 18.52 μg/l. Exposure questionnaires, completed by face-to-face interviews with 100 local people who drink groundwater from farm wells, were used to evaluate the hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard indices (HIs). The HQs for non-carcinogenic risk for As, Cu, Zn and Pb, with a range of 0.004–2.901, 0.053–54.818, 0.003–6.399 and 0.007–26.80, respectively, and the HI values (range from 0.10 to 88.21) exceeded acceptable limits in 58 % of the wells. The HI results were higher than one for groundwater wells located in intensively cultivated chili fields. The highest cancer risk found was 2.6 × 10^?6 for As in well no. 11. This study suggested that people living in warmer climates are more susceptible to and at greater risk of groundwater contamination because of their increased daily drinking water intake. This may lead to an increased number of cases of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health defects among local people exposed to heavy metals by drinking the groundwater.     

典型野生食用菌重金属含量及其人体健康风险评价

土壤重金属污染是影响生态环境、食品安全和人体健康的重要因素.云南省土壤重金属背景值较高,且矿产资源丰富、采矿活动频繁,导致土壤重金属含量较高.野生食用菌是高效重金属储积器,云南是中国野生食用菌最大产区.因此,本文以云南省8种典型野生食用菌为研究对象,探究其重金属含量(汞、镉、铅、锌、铜、砷)与分配特征,采用单因子污染指数对其进行重金属污染评价,利用概率方法(THQ指数)评估其对不同年龄人群(成人、儿童)的人体健康风险.研究结果表明,不同种类野生食用菌重金属含量存在显著差异(P<0.05).Hg、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu浓度范围分别为0.5—7.2、0.3—15、0—26.8、47.7—214、56.7—428 mg·kg^-1 dw;As未检出.此外,Hg、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu均主要分布于菌盖.除虫草花、白森、干巴菌中Hg未检出,其余重金属污染评价中单因子污染指数均>1,且同一元素在同种野生食用菌不同部位污染程度不同,其中,老人头菌盖受Cd污染最为严重.基于国家食品安全标准,本研究中98%野生食用菌Hg、Cd、Pb含量超标.然而,THQ指数表明,部分野生食用菌中Zn无风险(THQ<1),老人头菌盖、鸡枞菌盖中Cd、Hg、Pb、Cu具有人体健康风险(THQ>1),且风险值儿童>成人.     

Arsenic concentration in rice, fish, meat and vegetables in Cambodia: a preliminary risk assessment

To assess arsenic contaminations and its possible adverse health effects, food samples were collected from Kandal, Kratie and Kampong Cham in Cambodia. The highest and the lowest concentrations were observed in fish (mean 2,832 ng g^?1, ww) collected from Kandal province and cattle stomach (1.86 ± 1.10 ng g^?1, ww) collected from Kratie, respectively. The daily intake of arsenic via food consumption was 604, 9.70 and 136 μg day^?1 in Kandal, Kratie and Kampong Cham, respectively. The arsenic dietary intake in Kandal ranked No. 1 among all the 17 compared countries or regions. Fish consumption contributed the greatest proportion of total arsenic daily intake in Kandal (about 63.0 %) and Kampong Cham (about 69.8 %). It is revealed to be a much more important exposure pathway than drinking water for residents in Kampong Cham. The results of risk assessment suggested that the residents in Cambodia, particularly for people in Kandal province, suffer high public health risks due to consuming arsenic-contaminated food.     

Cadmium accumulation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax notoginseng</Emphasis>: levels,affecting factors and the non-carcinogenic health risk

Cadmium (Cd) contamination has been reported to be a problem for the safe usage of Panax notoginseng (Sanchi); thus, it is necessary to elucidate the Cd accumulation in Sanchi and to assess its associated health risk. Samples were collected from major producing areas in Yunnan, China. The average concentration of Cd in Sanchi was 0.43 mg/kg, which exceeds the standard level for herbal medicine in China (0.3 mg/kg). A stepwise regression analysis showed that zinc and the pH were the related factors that most significantly impacted Cd in Sanchi roots. The hazard quotient values were estimated as 0.0010 (men) and 0.0012 (women) for consumers taking preparations and were 0.011 (men) and 0.013 (women) for consumers taking health products, implying that there is no non-carcinogenic hazard associated with Sanchi consumption. However, a Monte Carlo simulation showed that approximately 0.80 % of male and 1.02 % of female consumers via drug consumption and 36.28 % of male and 41.87 % of female consumers via health product consumption had an exposure exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of Cd from drugs (1 % of the total oral ADI as suggested by the World Health Organization). These people should control their oral Cd intake from both Sanchi consumption and diet as a whole.     

Status,source identification,and health risks of potentially toxic element concentrations in road dust in a medium-sized city in a developing country

This study aims to determine the status of potentially toxic element concentrations of road dust in a medium-sized city (Rawang, Malaysia). This study adopts source identification via enrichment factor, Pearson correlation analysis, and Fourier spectral analysis to identify sources of potentially toxic element concentrations in road dust in Rawang City, Malaysia. Health risk assessment was conducted to determine potential health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks) among adults and children via multiple pathways (i.e., ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation). Mean of potentially toxic element concentrations were found in the order of Pb > Zn > Cr(IV) > Cu > Ni > Cd > As > Co. Source identification revealed that Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cr(IV) are associated with anthropogenic sources in industrial and highly populated areas in northern and southern Rawang, cement factories in southern Rawang, as well as the rapid development and population growth in northwestern Rawang, which have resulted in high traffic congestion. Cobalt, Fe, and As are related to geological background and lithologies in Rawang. Pathway orders for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation, involving adults and children. Non-carcinogenic health risks in adults were attributed to Cr(IV), Pb, and Cd, whereas Cu, Cd, Cr(IV), Pb, and Zn were found to have non-carcinogenic health risks for children. Cd, Cr(IV), Pb, and As may induce carcinogenic risks in adults and children, and the total lifetime cancer risk values exceeded incremental lifetime.     

Cadmium,lead and mercury concentrations in pathologically altered human kidneys

Heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) act as nephrotoxic agents, particularly in the renal cortex. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of Cd, Pb and Hg in kidneys removed from patients due to lesions of various etiologies and from patients after the rejection of transplanted kidneys. Additionally, we determined the influence of selected biological and environmental factors on the concentrations of toxic metals. The study material consisted of kidneys with tumor lesions (n = 27), without tumors (n = 7) and its extracted grafts (n = 10) obtained from patients belongs to the north-western areas of Poland. The determined metal concentrations in the renal cortex and medulla may be arranged in the following descending order: Cd > Pb > Hg. The highest concentrations of Cd and Hg were found in the cortex, while the maximum content Pb was observed in the medulla. Significant correlations were found in the concentrations of the same metals between cortex and medulla and between Pb and Hg in the renal medulla. Pb content was higher in the renal medulla of men than in the cortex of the elderly (above 60 years of age). The highest concentrations of Pb and Hg were found in the cortex and medulla, of the kidneys had not neoplastic changes, and lower content of these metals were found in the extracted kidney grafts. In summary, renal grafts accumulate less heavy metals than cancerous kidneys, what could have been caused by immunosuppressors taken by the graft recipients. Moreover, sex, age and smoking are key factors responsible for xenobiotics concentrations.