Probabilistic risk assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in breastfed infants in Hamadan metropolis (Iran)

This study assessed the risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in breastfed babies in Hamadan (Iran). The breast milk of 100 mothers was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy. According to the results, Pb intake had the lowest HQ among the harmful heavy metals. There was concern about the non-carcinogenic risk of As in more than 5% of the babies. Evaluation of THQ showed that all the babies were at risk of non-carcinogenic disorders developed by PTEs, and a higher concern for babies between 0 and 2 months was observed compared to the other groups. The elevated intake of Fe at early ages was likely due to Fe supplementation by mothers to compensate for the iron loss after delivery. Interestingly, HQ of Fe dropped dramatically in babies between 4 and 6 months. The highest concern about carcinogenicity was related to Cd intake, so only 5% of 2-4-month-old babies were at moderate risk of Cd carcinogenicity. Other heavy metals, including Ni, Cr, and As, showed a similar scenario.