Lead contamination of fruit spirits intended for own consumption as a potential overlooked public health issue? A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to analyse the occurrence of lead in selected samples of fruit distilled spirits for own consumptions in terms of possible contribution to the occurrence of alcohol-attributable diseases.

METHODS

In a pilot study, we analysed 18 samples of fruit spirits for own consumption. Most of the samples were distilled in the local growing distilleries in the Žilina Region with exception of 3 samples collected in the Trnava Region (one of them was of Hungarian origin). Sample preparation included previous mineralization with use of microwave decomposition system Multiwave 60 50 Hz. The samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphic furnace (AAS GBC XplorAA 5000 with GF 5000).

RESULTS

The average ethanol level in our samples was higher in comparison with distributed spirits. We detected lead in all samples. In two of them the concentration was lower than the limit of quantitation (LOQ). The highest lead concentrations were observed in plum spirit from Hungary (581.0 μg/l), and in grape spirit made in the Trnava Region (466.3 μg/l).

CONCLUSIONS

Lead is a widespread contaminant of fruit spirits prepared for own consumption. Taking into consideration its common occurrence and possible multiplicative effect with ethanol, we can assume that lead can contribute to the occurrence of several alcohol-attributable chronic diseases. Due to the insufficient information in this field, our results provide significant insight into the issue and present an important starting point for further research.