Analysis reveals low health risks from metals in vegetables, except for lead, suggesting regulatory attention is needed.
Consumption of vegetables contaminated with heavy metals can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage, cancer, high blood pressure, and impaired brain development. This study analyzed levels of Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, and Pb in 10 vegetables from the Kura-Dakasoye agricultural area in Kano State using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry after wet digestion. Metal concentrations were generally within safe limits, except for lead. ANOVA showed no significant differences among the vegetables (P > 0.05). Estimated Daily Intakes (EDIs) for all the analyzed metals were found to be below their respective oral reference doses, and Hazard Quotients (HQs) were all less than one, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risk. The findings suggest minimal health risk to consumers, aside from possible lead exposure.
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Nataala et al. (2025) studied this question.
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