Health risk assessment of exposure to heavy metals in dairy products collected from Bushehr, Iran

Background: Assessment of dairy products can identify the presence of heavy metals in them that poses a serious threat to human health and is a major concern on a global scale. Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the heavy metal concentrations in dairy products and their potential risks in urban areas in Bushehr city, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 71 dairy product samples (16 milk, 14 yoghurt, 15 cheeses, 13butter, 11 dough, and 12 creams) were collected randomly from dairy shops in Bushehr city, Iran and analyzed by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The results of this research showed that the concentrations of lead in cream and butter were significantly higher than in milk and yoghurt samples (P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of cadmium in cream and cheese were significantly higher than in milk samples (P < 0.05). Moreover, zinc contents in cheese and cream were significantly higher than in milk and butter (P < 0.05). The concentrations of Cu were significantly higher in butter and cream than in milk, cheese, and dough samples. Conclusion: The findings of the work obviously demonstrated that the daily intake of dairy products involved a tolerable amount of Pb and Cd. Therefore, the intake of dairy products in the study area is almost without potential risks.

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