Risk assessment for shark consumers exposed to mercury, selenium and cadmium in Mexico

Mercury, cadmium, and selenium contents were quantified in sharks Mustelus henlei, M. californicus, Sphyna zygaena, and Isurus oxyrinchus, which represent important fishery resources in the western coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Sample compliance estimations with Mexican dietary standards and human health risks, according to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), were provided for critical population sectors, including young children, pregnant/nursing women, and adults. The estimated weekly intake was limited to 1.52 kg of M. californicus, 1.35 kg of S. zygaena, 0.5 kg of I. oxyrinchus, and 2.42 kg of M. henlei. Likewise, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) <1 and Hazard Index (THI) <1 were within safe limits; therefore, there will be no chronic noncarcinogenic health hazards in the short or long term. Carcinogenic risk is a concern mainly for children, and the most appropriate approach is for children to consume no >0.5 kg of shark meat per week.