Health risk assessment of arsenic and metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb) consumed in meat singed with different fuel types from some selected cities in Ghana

Heavy metal contamination in food poses a significant global health risk due to bioaccumulation and associated health hazards. Burning of the fuel sources (firewood, Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and scrap tyres) during carcass singeing emits heavy metals into the meat. However, few studies have comparatively assessed the health risks associated with contaminants in the meats singed with the different fuel types. This study evaluated levels of Fe, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb in cattle and goat meats singed with different fuel types from five abattoirs in Ghana using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and conducted a probabilistic health risk assessment among children, adults and elderly populations after consuming the meat. Results showed that goat meat contained significantly higher As (0.36 ± 0.21 mg/kg) and Fe (23.0 ± 13.5 mg/kg) levels than cow meat, whereas cow meat had a higher Ni level (0.71 ± 0.78 mg/kg), with no notable differences in Cu, Cd or Pb. Tyre singeing resulted in the highest contamination, while LPG singeing recorded the lowest, and washing reduced but did not eliminate contamination. Regional variations were evident, Koforidua and Tamale exhibited elevated metal concentrations often exceeding permissible limits, whereas Accra and Ho showed moderate contamination. Principal component and clustering analyses revealed strong associations between metal types, fuel sources, and contamination patterns, identifying tyre singeing as a major contributor. Probabilistic exposure assessment highlighted significant health risks for children, especially from As and Pb, with intakes frequently surpassing safety thresholds. It is therefore recommended that safer singeing practices and stricter regulatory measures must be instituted to mitigate heavy metal exposure from meat consumption.