Title:A Brief Meta-analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Lead and Cadmium
in Meat, Liver, and Kidney of Livestock in Iran
Volume: 20
Issue: 9
Author(s): Mohammad Hassan Emami, Samane Mohammadzadeh, Raheleh Karimi, Atefeh Amerizadeh, Alireza Fahim, Sayed Ali Ehsan Dehkordi and Fatemeh Maghool*
Affiliation:
- Poursina Hakim Digestive Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Keywords:
Lead, cadmium, Heavy metal, Meat, Carcinogenic risk, health risk assessment.
Abstract:
Background: Red meat from livestock is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins,
and minerals.
Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the levels of two of the most toxic heavy metals;
lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in meat and edible offal (liver and kidney) of livestock (sheep,
buffalo, and cow) in Iran with assessing their health risk of developing cancer.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted covering ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Google
Scholar. Finally, data from 4 articles including 624 samples were analysed.
Results: Pooled results show that the mean concentrations of Pb and Cd were 0.18 mg/kg and
0.13 mg/kg respectively which were both higher than their eligible maximum limits by
FAO/WHO. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd in meat, liver, and kidney for adults
and children was lower than the Total Daily Intake (TDI) limits. The consumers' non-carcinogenic
risk (THQ) for meat consumption was generally safe in terms of Cd and Pb in all cities except for
Pb in Hamadan which was greater than one (unsafe) for both adults and children. Carcinogenic
Risk (CR) for meat consumption was generally safe or within the acceptable range in terms of Cd
and Pb in all cities except for Pb in Hamadan which had a Pb-CR greater than safe/permissible level
for children.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the dangerous levels of CR and THQ of meat in terms of Pb
in Hamadan warrant concern and further study.
