Assessment of health risks posed by heavy metal contamination of wild mushrooms and berries

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the primary objectives in ensuring food security for the population is to reduce the mitigate the risk of chemical contamination in food. Wild mushrooms and berries have the potential to accumulate heavy metals from the environment, posing a threat to human health if consumed. AIM: To assess the risk of developing general toxic effects associated with the consumption of wild mushrooms and berries on health of the adults living in the Arkhangelsk region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The amount and frequency of mushroom and berry consumption by the adult population of the Arkhangelsk region was assessed by a survey (n=445). Intake of heavy metals contaminating mushrooms and berries was calculated using four scenarios. Hazard Quotients (HQ) were used to characterize the risk of developing overall toxic effects due to exposure to mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Hazard Indexes (HI) for substances with unidirectional effects were employed to assess the risk of non-cancerous effects on critical organs and systems. Quantitative data were presented as medians (Me) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and the 90th percentile (P90). RESULTS: In total, 82% and 70% of respondents were engaged in collection of mushrooms and wild berries, respectively. On average, they reported consuming 180 grams of fresh or frozen berries, 133 grams of berries with juice, and 50 grams of mushrooms in soup or boiled/fried form per week. The Hazard Quotients (HQ) for all heavy metals did not exceed 1.0. The Hazard Index (HI) calculated for the average consumption of mushrooms and berries, as well as the average heavy metal contamination of wild plants was below 1.0. However, at high levels of mushroom (P90 — 417 g/week) and berry (P90 — 900 g/week) consumption, along with high levels of heavy metal contamination, elevated risk of developing general toxic effects on the endocrine- (HI=2.27), cardiovascular- (HI=2.0), digestive- (HI=2.0), nervous- and immune systems (HI =1.81 for both) and kidneys (HI=1.25) were detected. Forest mushrooms and wild berries can be consumed without restriction at an average level of their contamination. However, in cases of heavy metal contamination of mushrooms and berries at the P90 level or above, it is not recommended to exceed daily consumption of 400 grams of forest mushrooms and 650 grams of wild berries. CONCLUSION: Consuming high amounts of wild mushrooms and berries at the upper limit of exposure to heavy metals, may lead to an elevated risk of developing toxic effects on endocrine, nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.