Toxic metal levels in cow bulk milk, yoghurt, and kashk in southwest Iran: health risk assessment

This study assessed lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) concentrations in bulk milk tanks (<i>n</i> = 75) and dairy products, including yoghurt (<i>n</i> = 10) and kashk (<i>n</i> = 20) from southwestern Iran, using AA500FG flame and graphite atomic absorption spectrometer. Health risk was assessed (EDI, EWI, THQ), and (ILCR). The mean concentrations of Pb (0.017 mg/kg) and Cd (0.001 mg/kg) in raw milk samples did not exceed the maximum permissible limits (MPLs). However, 12/75 (16%) and 75/75 (100%) milk samples revealed Pb and Cu higher than the MPLs. The metal concentrations in the yoghurt samples were lower than the MPLs. All (100%) kashk samples interestingly contained Pb beyond the MPL, and 20% of the samples had higher levels of Cu than the MPL. Pb, Cd, and Cu concentrations in the kashk samples were significantly higher than those in the other samples (<i>p</i> < 0.05). EDI and EWI values were lower than PTDI and PTWI values in all samples. There were no carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic health concerns in adults or children. This study clarified the importance of Pb and Cu metals in raw milk and kashk products from Fars, Iran, and highlighted the more probable role of polluted environment.