Eliaza Niwaeli Orgenes, Malamla Sifael Benjamin, Mabula Yohana Ramadhani, Ntarisa Amos Vincent
Department of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Mkwawa University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 2513, Iringa, Tanzania.
Toxicol Rep. 2024 Nov 18;13:101820. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101820. eCollection 2024 Dec.
Heavy metal contamination in the environment, often resulting from industrial activities, mining, and improper waste disposal, leads to the accumulation of heavy metals in soil, water, air, drinks and food. Prolonged exposure to these metals can cause serious health issues in humans, including neurological damage, kidney failure, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of cancer. High levels of heavy metals in food are hazardous to human health. Heavy metals can find their way into beer at different stages, including through raw materials, the brewing process, equipment, bottling, and storage. This study examined the presence of Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, and Zn in ten of the most consumed beer brands in Tanzania using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in the beer samples increased in the order of Zn < Cu < Fe < Cr. Cd and Pb were not detected in any beer samples. Compared to WHO guidelines, the levels of Zn and Cu were below the limit, while Fe and Cr exceeded it. Estimated daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) were used to evaluate the potential human health risks. The EDI values of Fe and Zn were lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) set by the FAO/WHO. However, the mean EDI for Cr surpassed the recommended value, posing a potential risk for moderate and high beer consumers. The HQ and HI values for Zn and Fe were below 1, signifying no non-carcinogenic health concerns. In contrast, Cr had HQ and HI values greater than 1, indicating a notable non-carcinogenic health risk through beers consumption. ILCR due to Cr ranged from 0.029 to 0.695. These ILCR values for Cr in all beer samples are above range of recommended by USEPA, suggesting a potential carcinogenic risk linked to this toxic metal and, consequently, a possible cancer risk for beer consumers. Therefore, beer manufacturers should continuously work to minimize public health risks. Additionally, further research involving a larger variety of beer brands and the implementation of policy interventions is needed.
环境中的重金属污染通常源于工业活动、采矿及不当的废物处理，导致重金属在土壤、水、空气、饮料和食物中累积。长期接触这些金属会引发人类严重的健康问题，包括神经损伤、肾衰竭、呼吸问题以及患癌风险增加。食物中高水平的重金属对人体健康有害。重金属可在不同阶段进入啤酒，包括通过原材料、酿造过程、设备、装瓶及储存环节。本研究使用原子吸收光谱仪（AAS）检测了坦桑尼亚十个最畅销啤酒品牌中铜、镉、铅、铬、铁和锌的含量。结果表明，啤酒样品中重金属浓度的递增顺序为锌＜铜＜铁＜铬。所有啤酒样品中均未检测到镉和铅。与世界卫生组织的指导方针相比，锌和铜的含量低于限值，而铁和铬则超过了限值。采用估计每日摄入量（CDI）、危害商数（HQ）、危害指数（HI）和终生癌症增量风险（ILCR）来评估对人体健康的潜在风险。铁和锌的EDI值低于粮农组织/世界卫生组织设定的暂定每日最大耐受摄入量（PMTDI）。然而，铬的平均EDI超过了推荐值，对中度和重度啤酒消费者构成潜在风险。锌和铁的HQ和HI值低于1，表明不存在非致癌性健康问题。相比之下，铬的HQ和HI值大于1，表明通过饮用啤酒存在明显的非致癌性健康风险。铬导致的ILCR范围为0.029至0.695。所有啤酒样品中铬的这些ILCR值均高于美国环境保护局推荐的范围，表明与这种有毒金属相关的潜在致癌风险，进而表明啤酒消费者可能面临癌症风险。因此，啤酒制造商应持续努力将公共健康风险降至最低。此外，还需要开展涉及更多啤酒品牌的进一步研究并实施政策干预措施。
