Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid)s Intake from Beverages in the United States

Heavy metals in beverages can pose health risks in an exposure-dependent manner, however, few studies in the United States have evaluated their metal content and health risks. This study determined the concentrations of eight metal(loid)s, As, Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in 60 beverages via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The highest median concentrations (µg/kg) were found in mixed fruit juices for Ni (45.7), Cr (14.8), and As (4.5); tea for Mn (5,300), Al (730), and Pb (1.4); and plant-based milk for Zn (835) and Cd (1.1). Chronic daily intake (CDI) across age groups was calculated using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Potential noncarcinogenic health risks were assessed via Hazard Quotients (HQ), and Hazard Indices (HI) for all elements and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was assessed for total As, Cd, Ni, and Pb. About 58–67 % of the samples showed no noncarcinogenic risk (HQ and HI <1). HQ > 1 was found in 19 samples for As, Zn, Ni, and Mn, and HI > 1 in 6 additional samples (n = 25), mostly affecting children under 10, with three samples posing risk beyond adolescence. Significant carcinogenic risk (10 −2 to 10 −4 ) was found for As, Cd, and Ni across all beverage categories. This study highlights the need for consumer awareness and policy review. • 25 samples showed potential noncarcinogenic risks. • Noncarcinogenic risk was mainly attributed to children under 10 years of age. • Noncarcinogenic risk decreased with age across all categories. • As, Ni, and Cd levels in beverages exceeded carcinogenic safety thresholds.