An Assessment of the Public Health Risk Associated with Consumption of Imported Fish Based on the Intake of Essential and Harmful Elements

Despite its many important health benefits, fish consumption is associated with a growing risk of toxicity due to increasing levels of environmental pollution. Therefore, this study compared the potential risks to human health associated with the consumption of imported fish and locally produced fish, which may be contaminated with toxic elements. A selection of the most commonly consumed fish in Poland, imported and domestic, was assayed for 11 trace elements in muscle tissue using ICP-AES, CV-AAS and GF-AAS. In general, the levels of toxic elements decreased according to the following sequence: As > Hg > Cd > Pb; however, the values of lead were slightly higher than those of cadmium in cod. All imported fish contained significantly more cadmium than the Polish species. Our assessment of EDI, THQ, TTHQ, TWI, PTMI and BMDL₀₁ indicates that typical levels of consumption of fish do not pose a risk based on the assumed intake. The highest TTHQ was observed in tilapia, but it did not exceed 0.169. This was well below the acceptable value. Hence, the consumption of these fish does not appear to entail any non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic health risks. In addition, the estimated consumer risk parameters indicate no risk to consumer health in the short term; however, the presence of these elements may present a long-term hazard due to the potential for bioaccumulation. Continuous monitoring of trace element concentrations, especially toxic ones, is recommended for the protection of communities in both local and global contexts. Our findings provide a clearer picture of the health risk associated with the consumption of fish in the Polish market.