Safety of honey consumed in Enugu State, Nigeria: a public health risk assessment of lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

Background: Information about lead (Pb) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in honey and their dietary intake is very important in human health risk assessment. Currently, there are paucity of data on the risk assessment and concentrations of lead and PAHs in honey in Nigeria. Objective: This study has determined the potential human health risk of lead and PAHs associated with the consumption of honey in Enugu state, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Lead and US EPA 16 priority PAHs in honey harvested from rural and urban communities in March 2016 were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and Gas Chromatograph respectively. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments were carried. Results: The mean concentration of Pb in honey ranged from 0.005 mg/kg -0.08 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of 16 PAHs in honey ranged from 4.71E-03 -2.72 mg/kg. The dietary intake of the PAHs for adults and children ranged from 0.0021 -0.0259 mg/kg/day and 0.0011 -0.0129 mg/kg/day respectively. The levels of BaPeq and their margin of exposure MOE suggest non-significant health risk. The incremental life cancer risk ILCR of Pb were within safe range of <1E-04.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Foods: Biological Effects, Legislation, Occurrence, Analytical Methods, and Strategies to Reduce Their Formation

“…Ozoani et al [117] investigated the contamination of honey obtained in Enugu state, Nigeria. They observed BaP and PAH4 concentrations varying between 0.1-0.524 and 0.0439-3.22 mg/kg, respectively, and the determination of BaP eq levels and their exposure margin indicated that the consumption of honey did not pose a significant health risk for that population.…”