Exposure to Heavy Metals Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead Exacerbates Carcinogenic and Noncarcinogenic Health Risks Among Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in commonly consumed marine fish in Egypt

This study aimed to quantify the levels of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in 250 fish samples, including flathead grey mullet, sardine, and mackerel, collected from local fish markets in Mansoura, Egypt, on ten occasions from August 2023 to March 2024. Unlike previous studies that have primarily focused on metal concentrations, this study assessed both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks among the general population (57.09 g/day) and high-fish consumers (200 g/day). Metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with method accuracy validated using certified reference materials (CRMs), yielding recoveries of 95.5–100.6%. The average concentrations of Hg, As, Pb, and Cd (µg/g wet weight) were 0.313, 2.13, 0.194, and 0.018 in flathead grey mullet (As > Hg > Pb > Cd); 0.131, 1.65, 0.472, and 0.021 in sardine (As > Pb > Hg > Cd); and 0.196, 0.98, 0.370, and 0.025 in mackerel (As > Pb > Hg > Cd), respectively. Hg and As concentrations were significantly higher in flathead grey mullet, whereas Pb concentration was highest in sardine and Cd concentration was highest in mackerel. Based on the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPLs) set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS), and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the proportion of samples exceeding these limits ranged from 9 to 20% for Hg, 22–56% for As, and 20–58% for Pb. For the general population, only the estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg in flathead grey mullet was above the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intakes (PTDIs), while EDI of most metals exceeded safety thresholds in high fish consumers. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for Hg and As exceeded 1.0, while TTHQ values for flathead grey mullet, sardine, and mackerel were 8.4, 5.7, and 4.35 for the general population and 29.43, 19.84, and 15.26 for high-fish consumers, respectively, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. Furthermore, cancer risk (CR) for As ranged from 1.20E−03 to 9.14E−03, exceeding the acceptable safety threshold of 1.0E−04, whereas Pb and Cd risks remained within safe limits. The relatively high metal concentrations may reflect anthropogenic pollution and other environmental inputs affecting the aquatic ecosystem, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and control of pollution sources to reduce contamination and protect public health.

HEAVY METAL TOXICITY AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN SOUTHERN TAMIL NADU: CHALLENGES, MECHANISMS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) represents a significant global health burden, characterized by a progressive decline in renal function. While traditional risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension are well-established, the role of environmental pollutants, particularly heavy metals, in the etiology and progression of CKD is gaining increasing attention. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on the impact of heavy metal exposure on CKD, with a specific focus on findings from the Southern Tamil Nadu population. It delvesinto the mechanisms by which various heavy metals, including but not limited to arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, exert nephrotoxic effects, leading to cellular damage, glomerulosclerosis, and impaired renal function. The review also examines the prevalence of heavy metal exposure in susceptible populations, routes of exposure, and the challenges in establishing clear causal links due to the heterogeneity of environmental factors and population demographics. Furthermore, it discusses diagnostic approaches, potential therapeutic interventions, and the critical need for effective management strategies to mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with heavy metal-induced nephropathy. By integrating findings from recent studies and highlighting the uniquecontext of Southern Tamil Nadu, this review aims to provide a deeper understanding of this complex public health issue and underscore the importance of environmental monitoring and public health interventions to prevent and manage CKD.

Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water near the Batang Masumai River, Indonesia

Contamination of drinking water by heavy metals poses a serious public health concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxic effects on human health. This study evaluated both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with seven heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Ni, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Pb) in drinking water sources surrounding the Batang Masumai River, Indonesia. A total of 30 water samples were collected from municipal water supplies (PDAM), refill drinking water depots (AMIU), and groundwater wells, and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Health risk assessment was conducted based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) model, including Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Total Cancer Risk (CRtotal). The results showed that all PDAM samples had HI values below the acceptable limit (HI<1), indicating negligible non-carcinogenic risk. However, HI values exceeding the acceptable threshold were observed in one AMIU sample and one groundwater sample (HI = 1.4), suggesting potential health concerns. In contrast, carcinogenic risk was found to be significantly higher across all water sources, with 90% of PDAM samples and 100% of AMIU and groundwater samples exceeding the acceptable limit (CRtotal>1×10⁻4). The highest carcinogenic risk was detected in groundwater, reaching 4.6×10-3, which is substantially above the recommended safety threshold. The findings reveal that while non-carcinogenic risks are generally within acceptable limits, carcinogenic risks are widespread and pose serious long-term health threats. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter water quality control, continuous monitoring, and targeted mitigation strategies to reduce heavy metal exposure in the study area.

Cadmium dominates urinary heavy metal mixtures associated with COPD risk: Integrative evidence from NHANES, network pharmacology, and experimental validation.

Integrative epidemiological, mechanistic, and experimental evidence implicates Cd-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue remodeling as key pathogenic processes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The toxic footprint of lead exposure: oxido-inflammatory biomarkers in urban populations of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Associations between Heavy Metals and Metalloids and Hepatic Fibrosis Risk in Chinese Adults: A Potential Modifying Effect of Thyroid Hormones.