Evaluation of the Heavy Metal Exposure Risk Due to Canned Fish Consumption in Adults

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminium (Al) and arsenic (As) in 66 canned fish from 7 different species (ton, sardine, salmon, mackerel, anchovies, trout and perch) sold in Ankara supermarkets and to determine the heavy metal exposure levels of adult individuals depending on consumption of canned fish and make risk assessment.

Materials and Methods: Levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al) and arsenic (As) of samples were determined using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry). And the exposure of selected heavy metal levels was calculated that adults would be exposed to if they consume two portions of canned fish per week.

Results: The canned tuna which has the highest content in terms of Pb and Cd among the analyzed fish (0.12±0.16 mg/kg, 6.41±4.98 mcg/kg, respectively). While the highest concentration canned anchovy (1.91±0.15 mg/kg) in terms of Al, the highest concentration of As was also determined in canned sardines (2.16±1.13 mg/kg). According to the findings, it was determined that the exposure of Pb, Cd, Al and As in adult individuals was below the upper limits set by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).

Conclusion: At the present time, canned fish are preferred due to their accessibility and ease of consumption. However, fresh or canned fish are also shown as a potential risk for heavy metals in our diet. In this study, it has been determined that canned fish with different content sold in the market have different levels of heavy metal content and adults are exposed to different levels of heavy metal. The number of studies assessing the heavy metal exposure risk of individuals for different age groups according to the amount of daily consumption of different types of canned fish is very scarce. Further studies are required.