Dietary exposure to trace elements and health risk assessment in the region of Valencia, Spain: a total diet study

ABSTRACT

Dietary exposure of the Valencian region population to lead, cadmium, inorganic arsenic (iAs), chromium, copper, tin and methylmercury (meHg) was assessed in a total diet study carried out in the region of Valencia in 2010–11. A total of 8100 food samples were collected and analysed. Occurrence data were combined with consumption data to estimate dietary exposure in adults (> 15 years of age) and young children (6–15 years of age). The estimated intake was calculated by a probabilistic approach. Average intake levels (optimistic scenario) for lead, iAs, chromium and tin were 0.21, 0.08, 1.79 and 1.87 µg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹ respectively; for Cd and meHg average intake levels were 0.77 and 0.54 µg kg^–1 bw week⁻¹, respectively, and for Cu, 1.60 mg day⁻¹. In terms of risk characterisation, the results showed that 2.84% of the adult population may exceed the BMDL₁₀ (benchmark dose lower confidence limit) established for Pb, which is linked to renal effects; whereas 28.01% of the young children population may exceed the BMDL₀₁ related to neurodevelopment effects. In addition, 8.47% of the adult population and 12.32% of young children exceeded the meHg tolerable weekly intake (TWI).

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Exposure assessment
• total diet studies
• metal analysis
• metal speciation
• risk assessment

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the colleagues and technicians who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the General Directorate of Public Health of the region of Valencia.