| Arsenic and chromium in canned and non-canned beverages in Nigeria: a potential public health concern. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 17431312 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Numerous studies have described environmental exposure of humans to heavy metals in African populations. Little is known about the exposure to heavy metal toxins from processed or unprocessed foods consumed in Africa, and no data exists on the food concentrations of arsenic and chromium, which are potential carcinogens and systemic toxicants. This study determined the concentrations of arsenic and chromium in beverages and fruit drinks commonly sold in Nigeria. Fifty samples of commonly consumed canned and non-canned beverages (imported and locally manufactured) purchased in Nigeria were digested in nitric acid and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). 33.3% of the canned beverages had arsenic levels that exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.01 mg/L set by U.S. EPA while 55.2% of non-canned beverages had their arsenic levels exceeding the MCL. The arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.003 to 0.161 mg/L for the canned and 0.002 to 0.261 mg/l for the non-canned beverages. Whereas 68.9% of the non-canned beverages showed chromium levels that exceeded the US EPA's MCL of 0.10 mg/L, 76.2% of the canned beverages had chromium levels that were greater than the MCL. The concentration range of total chromium in the canned beverages was 0.04 to 0.59 mg/L and 0.01 to 0.55 mg/L for the non-canned beverages. The sources of arsenic and chromium in the commercially available beverages are unclear and merit further investigation. This preliminary study highlights the need to study the toxicological implications of chronic low-level exposure to heavy metals from African markets. |
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Authors:
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J-M U Maduabuchi; E O Adigba; C N Nzegwu; C I Oragwu; I P Okonkwo; Orish E Orisakwe |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Comparative Study; Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: International journal of environmental research and public health Volume: 4 ISSN: 1661-7827 ISO Abbreviation: Int J Environ Res Public Health Publication Date: 2007 Mar |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2007-04-13 Completed Date: 2008-02-08 Revised Date: 2009-03-18 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101238455 Medline TA: Int J Environ Res Public Health Country: Switzerland |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 28-33 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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ZETA-12, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, P.M.B. 5001, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Arsenic
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analysis* Arsenic Poisoning / etiology Beverages / analysis* Chromium / analysis* Environmental Monitoring Food Preservation* Humans Nigeria Public Health* / legislation & jurisprudence |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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7440-38-2/Arsenic; 7440-47-3/Chromium |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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