Concentrations and health risk assessment of metals in chewing gums, peppermints and sweets in Nigeria

The concentrations of nine metals (Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni and Co) were measured in selected brands of chewing gums, peppermints and sweets in Nigeria with a view to providing information on the concentration profiles and dietary intakes of metals, and the life-long health hazards associated with the consumption of these food items. The metal concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry after acid digestion of the samples. The measured mean concentrations of metals in the chewing gums, peppermints and sweets were 0.16-2.21 mu g/g Cd, 0.06-6.42 mu g/g Cr, 0.13-13.94 mu g/g Mn, <0.25-15.0 mu g/g Pb, 0.08-9.81 mu g/g Cu, 3.0-33.00 mu g/g Zn, 10.75-140.69 mu g/g Fe, <0.25-4.88 mu g/g Ni and 0.08-3.44 mu g/g Co. The estimated daily intake values of Cd, Pb and Co exceeded their tolerable intake limits, while the intakes of essential metals, such as Zn and Fe, from the consumption of these food items were very low and do not contribute significantly to the dietary requirements of Zn and Fe. The individual metal and combined metals target hazard quotient (Sigma THQ) values were high. These indicate a serious cause of concern for both the children and adults that consume these products on a regular basis.