No abstract

Background: Nowadays, the heavy metals pollution is increasing and the accumulation of these metals in food has posed adverse effects on humans such as inducing various kinds of cancer and non-cancer diseases. The Northeast of Iran, especially Torkman Sahra, has the maximum number of patients with esophageal cancer. Objectives: We investigated the levels of four heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu) in cucumber and tomato samples in Golestan province, an endemic esophageal cancer region. We evaluated the levels and potential health risks of heavy metals in vegetable samples of Northeastern Iran. Methods: The heavy metal content of the samples was determined by polarography methods. All sample preparation and digestion procedures were carried out according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20th Edition. Results:The results showed that Cd and Pb concentrations in cucumber and tomato were estimated to be respectively 2.4 to 14.4 and 1.6 to 7 folds higher whereas Zn and Cu levels were lower than the maximum permissible limit for vegetables. The amounts of Pb intake through the consumption of these vegetables were determined more than the provisional tolerable daily intake. The total non-cancer and cancer risk results indicated that the investigated region was relatively unsuitable for growing the vegetables in the view of the risk of the elevated intakes of heavy metals adversely affecting food safety for consumers. Pb was the heavy metal posing non-cancer risks while Cd caused the greatest cancer risk. Conclusions: It was concluded that due to the toxic effects of cadmium and lead, we should be more serious to reduce pollution levels in this region.

No abstract

a b s t r a c tHeavy metals are one of the most important environmental pollutants. Among heavy metals lead (Pb) which is toxic, well recognized as an environmental pollutant. The main objective of this study was to examine the adsorption efficiency of granular activated carbon for lead (II) removal from aqueous solution compared with citrus charcoal. The removal efficiency was controlled by solution pH, initial ion concentration, height and number of column and its arrangement. The results showed that with increasing the initial concentration of lead the removal efficiency was decreased. The removal rate for citrus coal was more than the granular activated carbon. The optimum time of 120 min was considered. The maximum removal of lead for GAC and citrus coal was observed at pH = 6.5. The maximum removal of lead was observed in the citrus coal/ GAC (98.5%). The efficiency of citrus coal for Pb adsorption was higher than the GAC. Citrus Charcoal which considered as a low cost material is mainly produced from waste of citrus. Drinking water standards were obtained using Citrus coal/GAC column in series.

Background: A safety assessment of cosmetic is necessary for evaluating the health risks associated with the use of these products. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations in different types of cosmetics products consumed in Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was design to evaluate the content of Cd and (Pb) in 11 different types of cosmetics including lipstick, nail polish, eyeliner, eye pencil, eyeshadow, makeup cleaner, mascara, pancake, tattoo, hair dye, and hair gel belonging to German, French, Turkish, Chinese, and Iranian brands, from September 2016 to March 2017. The content of Cd and Pb were measured with a polarograph following nitric acid digestion. Results: Out of 264 sample, the mean and standard error level of Cd and Pb were 3.69 ± 0.72 and 9.07 ± 1.126 μg/g, respectively. The average content of Pb in lipstick, tattoo, and nail polish was higher than the permitted limit of 10 μg/g. The mean content of Cd was also at level above the permitted limit of 3 μg/g for eye pencil, lipstick, and tattoo. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between Cd (P = 0.038) and Pb (P = 0.013) among different types of the cosmetics. Conclusion: Results indicated that several samples contain high levels of Cd and Pb that can be associated with health effects at sufficiently exposures. Regular monitoring of toxic metals, along with increased public awareness is necessary to provide a level of protection for women, especially for pregnant and lactating women.