https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7945-9732
![Sample our Bioscience journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5925/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Bioscience.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
The concentrations of toxic elements were analyzed by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). Moreover, the human health risk was estimated by Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) and Cancer Risk (CR) in Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) technique. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cd (0.08 ± 0.08), Pb (0.23 ± 0.46), and As (0.06 ± 0.04), were in a good compliance with ISO (Iranian standard organization). TTHQ for adults and children was equal to 0.009 and 0.042, respectively and also mean CR in adults and children consumers was equal to 9.73E–7 and 9.08E–7, respectively. Consequently, the concentration of toxic elements (Cd, Pb, and As) in cocoa powder did not pose any safety concerns. Moreover, probabilistic health risk assessment revealed that both adults and children were not at considerable non-carcinogenic (THQ and/or TTHQ ≤ 1) and carcinogenic risk (CR ≤ 1E–6). Even though, seeking for mitigating solutions and applying them to suppress the dangers of food containing toxic elements is a critical subject.
Acknowledgment
The authors appreciate the collaborators and coworkers for their skilled participation and cooperation in the current study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Author’s contribution
Sampling and analysis of data conducted by Sara Mohamadi, Tayebeh Zienali, Parisa Sadighara; Statistical analysis by Bijan Omidi and Yadolah Fakhri; Writing manuscript by Bijan Omidi, Intissar Limam, Yadolah Fakhri, Trias Mahmudiono, and Sara Mohamadi.