Lead, cadmium and arsenic exposure of schoolchildren of Argentine Northwest from a Total Diet Study

ROSSI M.C; CASTANHEIRA, I; SAMMÁN N.C

Food Additives & Contaminants, Part A

Taylor & Francis

Año: 2018

1944-0049

This study was designed to estimate the dietary intake of lead, arsenic and cadmium by schoolchildren population (aged 6 to 12) of Northwest of Argentina. Calculations were based on a 24-h dietary recall survey.1027 completed surveys were analyzed in both provinces. From the observed consumption, 22 composite samples were made, with 280 individual food items and water samples. For lead, 30% of the food samples were found below the LOD and 40% below the LOQ. For cadmium, 76% of the samples were below the LOD and 16% below the LOQ. For arsenic, only one sample showed values higher than LOD and LOQ. The exposure was similar to that observed in other studies, with results of 0.6 μg / kg / day for lead, 0.002 μg / kg / day for cadmium and 1.7 μg / kg / day for arsenic in the locality with this pollutant present in water.Although exposure levels do not exceed the limits established bythe Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, the presence of these contaminants in food should be monitored, taking into account that children are more susceptible to their neurotoxic effects.