Dietary exposure to heavy metals through polyfloral honey from Campania region (Italy)

Honey may have potential benefits due to its nutrient and bioactive molecules. On the other hand, it is a food that could be affected by environmental pollution; therefore, honey may contain contaminants such as heavy metals. The present study aimed to quantify eleven heavy metals and essential elements (Hg, Cd, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Sb, Pb, Ba, Mn) in honey collected in the Campania region (Italy) and analyzed through Q-ICP-MS. Secondly, carcino-genic and non-carcinogenic risks due to ingestion of honey in toddlers, adolescents, and adults were estimated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LTCR). No statistically significant dif-ference emerged among the different areas. The risk assessment did not report concerns for non-carcinogenic risk. However, the three groups showed a potential carcinogenic risk for Ni, Cr, and As, even though toddlers reported higher exposure values. The finding of this study provides pieces of knowledge on levels of contami-nants in honey in Campania. Furthermore, it can aid in understanding the resulting risk due to honey ingestion.

Automated summary

This study quantified heavy metals and essential elements in honey from the Campania region of Italy and assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with honey ingestion. The results showed no significant differences among different areas of honey, but all three groups had potential carcinogenic risks for nickel, chromium, and arsenic, especially toddlers.