Dietary risk of milk contaminated with lead and cadmium in areas near mining-metallurgical industries in the Central Andes of Peru

The mining-metallurgical industry in the central Andes of Peru is a source of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in milk, and there are no studies on the impact of their ingestion. Using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, we quantified the concentration of these metals in raw milk produced in agroecological zones near these industries, and estimated the exposure and dietary risk in people aged 2-85 yr with minimum, average and maximum daily milk intake. In 2018, 40 raw milk samples were collected from 20 cows at two times of the year. The mean Pb and Cd concentrations were 577 +/- 18.2 and 18.35 +/- 5.4 mu g/kg, all samples exceeded the maximum limits (ML). Children aged 2-5 and 6-15 yr, with average milk consumption, had Pb weekly intakes (WI) of 2019 and 2423 mu g, exceeding the risk value; values for Cd 64 and 77 mu g were below the risk values. In those older than 20 years the WI for both metals are below the risk values. The Dietary Risk Coefficient (DRC) to Pb in children younger than 8 years was 1 at all ages, with the exception of 2-year-olds in the high milk consumption scenario (RDC 1). There was notable evidence of Pb and Cd exposure risk from consumption of milk produced near mining-metallurgical activities, predominantly for children under 19-year-olds. In Peru there are no regulations for Pb and Cd in fresh milk and milk products, we recommended that ML for heavy metals in food be established.

Automated summary

This study revealed the impact of mining-metallurgical industry in the central Andes of Peru on lead and cadmium contamination in milk, and the potential health risks associated with consuming such contaminated milk. Through quantification and assessment, it was found that this pollution may pose potential risks to children under the age of 19.