The levels of non-dioxin-like PCB indicators (iPCBs 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) were determined in food samples (seafood, meat and processed meat, milk and dairy products, hen eggs, olive oil, ...and other fats) to evaluate the exposure of adult and elderly population. iPCB levels in samples were in the following order: fishery products > meat and processed meat > milk and dairy products > olive oil and other fats. None of the samples had concentrations above the maximum permissible limits for human consumption established by the European Union legislation, except for salami samples. The dietary intake for the total population was 12.33 ng·kg−1 bw·d−1, while depending on the sex/age groups, exposure was estimated between 9.60 and 12.11 ng·kg−1 bw·d−1, with seafood being the major contributor. The exposure scenario indicates that further efforts must still be carried out to protect the consumer from these harmful chemicals.
This study provides valuable information on the levels of various trace metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn, Cu, Cr) in meat products (baked ham, raw ham, mortadella, cured sausage, würstel, salami) from South ...Italy and calculates potential health risk toxicity associated with their consumption for the total population and for children. In the samples studied metal concentrations are within the permissible legal limits (Cd: 0.01–0.03 μg g
−1
w.w., Hg: 0.01–0.02 μg g
−1
w.w., Zn: 5.71–7.32 μg g
−1
w.w., Cu: 1.08–1.21 μg g
−1
w.w., Cr: 0.15–0.23 μg g
−1
w.w.), except for Pb (Pb: 0.22–0.38 μg g
−1
w.w.). The estimated intake values are within the provisional tolerable daily intake limits for toxic metals and recommended daily intake values for essential metals in both tested groups. The noncarcinogenic risk values of the individual metals indicate that there is no health risk, but their combined effects might constitute a potential risk for children. Furthermore, the cumulative cancer risk of all samples studied exceeds the recommended threshold risk limit (> 10
−4
) in both total population and children, indicating a risk of potential health problems for consumers especially for children, who are more vulnerable to toxic metal exposure.
Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and selenium (Se) concentrations were measured in various commercially important fish species. The benefit-risk binomial associated with these chemicals was ...assessed in children through the probability of exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) of the contaminants and the Se recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The Se:Hg molar ratios, selenium health benefit values (HBV
), and monthly consumption rate limits (CR
) for each species were also calculated. THg and Se were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Milan, Italy), while MeHg was determined by Trace Ultra gas chromatograph connected with a PolarisQ MS (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). None of the analyzed fish had Hg levels above the European Community regulatory limits, while most large predators had MeHg levels over the threshold concentration set by US EPA. The estimated weekly intakes of THg and MeHg exceeded in many cases the PTWIs and the Se estimated daily intakes were provided from 0.71% to 2.75% of the RDA. Se:Hg molar ratios above 1 and positive HBV
index suggested that Se in fish could be enough to alleviate the potential toxic effect of Hg. However, high-risk groups as children should consume fish in moderation because a large consumption pattern, especially of swordfish and tunas, might be of concern for health.
This study provides information on the potential human health risk of Hg, Cd, Pb and As exposure from consumption of two fish species (
and
) in the general population and in high-level fish ...consumers. The concentrations did not show significant differences between the two species, and no fish length element level-body-length relationship was observed, except for Hg. The average metal(loid) levels, irrespective of species, varied in the following ranges: Hg = 0.18-0.19, Cd = 0.07-0.10, Pb = 0.10-0.12, As = 0.59-0.69 μg g
w.w. The concentrations remained below the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) for human consumption, except for Cd. The estimated intakes of Hg, Cd and Pb in both consumption scenarios were lower than the respective PTWI/PTMIs, as well as those of inorganic As, which were even lower than the BMDL
. The non-carcinogenic risk (THQ) did not reveal any concerns, except for Hg. The lifetime health cancer risk (ILCR) suggested hazard exclusively from Cd, although for high-level fish consumers, even the ILCR of inorganic As was, in some cases, above the acceptable range. Continuous monitoring of metal(loid) levels in these fish is strongly recommended because the results demonstrate the occurrence of potential health risks, especially in high-level fish consumers, due to the presence of Hg and Cd.
Trace element (Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr) occurrence was determined in the muscle tissue of swordfish collected in the Mediterranean Sea to assess whether the intakes complied with the ...recommended levels for essential metals and permissible levels for toxic elements. Metals were analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu AA 7000). The methodology of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) was also evaluated. The ranking order of toxic metal concentration was Hg > Cd > Pb, while for essential elements the distribution pattern followed the sequence Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr. The Estimated Weekly Intakes (EWI) as well as THQ for Cd and Pb indicated that swordfish consumption did not pose a risk to human health, whereas the major concern was for Hg. Fish size-related changes in Hg concentrations resulted in high EWI and THQ values relative to larger fish consumption, implying a potential risk to human health. For consumer protection, catches of swordfish approximately above 44 kg should be avoided as these fish have a higher risk of containing toxic levels of Hg.
PCB and DDT concentrations were determined in the adipose tissue of cats and dogs from Southern Italy. In cats
p,p′-DDE was the most abundant DDT component (95.0%), while in dogs these compounds were ...absent, except in two specimens. PCB concentrations were higher in cats (199.02
ng g
−
1
lipid weight) than in dogs (41.61
ng g
−
1
lipid weight). Also there were inter-specific differences in the contribution of the different congeners to PCBs, although PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 were the most representative congeners in both species. Animals from one location, Taranto City, had significantly elevated concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs compared to the other locations. Consequently the estimated mean 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-
p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs were higher in these animals (cats: 0.65
pg g
−
1
lipid weight; dogs 0.29
pg g
−
1
lipid weight) than in the other ones (cats: 0.12
pg g
−
1
lipid weight; dogs: 0.001
pg g
−
1
lipid weight).
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in 15 composite liver samples from two deep-sea fish species, the hollowsnout grenadier (Trachyrinchus trachyrinchus, TT) and the roughsnout ...grenadier (Coelorhynchus coelorynchus, CC). Mean concentrations of sum tri- to hepta-BDEs were higher in CC species than in the TT species (16.9 vs 4.5 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively). BDE 47 and BDE 100 were the major congeners in both species. Methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs), reported as being naturally produced in marine environments, were also measured in all samples. Similar to those of PBDEs, mean concentrations of sum MeO-PBDEs (sum congeners 2′-MeO-BDE 68 and 6-MeO-BDE 47) were higher in the CC species (28.9 vs 6.6 ng/g lw, respectively). Interestingly, polybrominated hexahydroxanthene derivatives (PBHDs) had the highest contribution to the total load of organobromines in the deep-sea fish samples. Contrary to those of PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs, the mean concentrations of PBHDs were higher in the TT species (7040 vs 530 ng/g lw, respectively). Furthermore, an unusual profile was seen in the TT species, for which a tetrabrominated BHD isomer was the predominant isomer (up to 98% of the sum PBHDs). This differs from the profiles of PBHDs dominated by a tribrominated BHD isomer reported until now in the literature. The mixed halogenated monoterpene (MHC-1) and 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) were detected as well, albeit at lower concentration (<5 ng/g lw), supporting the hypothesis that these two natural products are rather abundant in shallow waters.
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs), were determined in the liver of two different shark species
Prionace glauca (blue shark) and
Dalatias licha ...(kitefin shark) from the Mediterranean Sea. In blue shark liver, the concentrations of PCBs (2482
ng
g
−1) and DDTs (2392
ng
g
−1) were comparable, while in kitefin shark the hepatic concentrations of DDTs (4554
ng
g
−1) were significantly higher than those of PCBs (1827
ng
g
−1). Contamination levels differed between species, with kitefin shark showing consistently higher concentrations of DDTs, and blue shark higher levels of PCBs. Congener-specific PCB profiles, similar between the two species were dominated by the higher chlorinated congeners (hexachlorobiphenyls: 62.8–63.9%, penta-: 15.2–21.3%, hepta-: 13.4–14.5%) with most of the lower chlorinated congeners being absent or present at very low levels. In both species, the total 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenz-
p-dioxin toxic equivalent (TEQs) concentrations (blue shark: 2.51
pg/g; kitefin shark: 1.46
pg/g) seem to be relatively modest. Regards to DDT component pattern,
p,
p′-DDE was dominant in the liver of both species (blue shark: 81.5%; kitefin shark: 38.0%), while the percentage composition of the other metabolites was differently characterized. The composition pattern of DDTs and the low value of
p,
p′-DDE/DDTs ratio in the specimens from Ionian Sea suggest that organochlorine pesticide contamination is still continuing in this marine environment.
Dietary intake of polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl‐PCBs) from various foods (fish and seafood, meat and meat‐based products, milk and dairy ...products, hen eggs, olive oil and fats) was investigated for various sex/age groups of the Italian population. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl‐PCBs and their contribution to total TEQ values varied depending on food matrix. Fish (0.50 pg WHO‐TEQ/g wet weight) and seafood (0.16 pg WHO‐TEQ/g wet weight) showed the highest mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl‐PCBs, followed by meat (1.70 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), meat based products (1.03 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), milk and dairy products (0.78 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), hen eggs (0.71 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight), fats (0.27 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight) and olive oil (0.09 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight). In all samples WHO‐TEQ PCDD/F plus dl‐PCB concentrations fulfilled the European Union food law, except in pork loin samples (1.39 pg WHO‐TEQ/g lipid weight). Differences in exposure depending on the sex/age groups (children > teenagers > adults > elders) and hypotheses considered (lower bound and upper bound) were encountered. Non‐cancer risk values showed a low exposure. Carcinogenicity risk results revealed that highly exposed individuals were distributed over all sex/age groups, even though the proportion of individuals exceeding the safe limit was higher in children. These data once again underline the importance of trying to control the levels of these contaminants in fishery products, particularly in fish, who represents one of the main exposure sources for consumers.
Practical Application
This paper may help the consumer in making food choices to minimize the exposure risk to dioxins, furans and PCBs
•Trace metals were determined in some fish species.•U.E. maximum permissible levels were obeyed except for Cd in Atlantic bluefin tuna.•EWI was in the following decreasing order: ...children > teenagers > adults > elders.•Noncarcinogenic threat due to metal exposure were insignificant for all age groups.•The cumulative cancer risk (ΣILCR) was high in children and teenagers.
The concentrations of nine trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu and Zn) were determined in sixteen fish species collected in commercial centers of South Italy. Additionally, the assessment of risk indices (Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index, Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk) through the consumption of various fish species were estimated in different age groups. The concentrations fell under the maximum permissible levels (MPLs) for human consumption recommended by European Union, with an only exception regarding Cd, which exceeded the tolerable value in Atlantic bluefin tuna samples. The estimated weekly intakes of metals, all below Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWIs), were in the following decreasing order: children > teenagers > adults > elders. The estimated hazard quotient (HQ) of Hg being above or close to 1 indicated a high probability of experiencing non-carcinogenic health risks, while the noncarcinogenic threats associated with exposure to other metals were insignificant (< 1) for all age groups. The cumulative cancer risk (ΣILCR) in children (1.86 × 10−3) and teenagers (1.10 × 10−3) exceed the cancer benchmark by a greater margin than adults (7.53 × 10-4) and elders (6.43 × 10-4). These results impose a systematic monitoring of fish, especially of large predatory fish, so to ensure the continuing safety of this food safeguarding human health.
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