Chemical analysis of heavy metals leaching from old utensils : Assessment of cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity and socio_economic Awareness .

Assessing the possible health risks caused by heavy metals leached from old cookware is crucial and requires a clear understanding of the type and amount leached . In this research quantification of selected heavy metals (Ni, Cr , Pb and Cd) , was conducted using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, leached from various types of old cookware(ceramic, aluminium, non-stick , stainless steel, granite and Pyrex ,from each type we used a single representative sample ) in distilled water under different pH condition. Obtained values were compared with WHO and the Egyptian standard (2360/2007 P1 and P2) guidelines for drinking water. The genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects were also determined . In addition, public awareness and practices regarding utensil maintenance and replacement was conducted in three distinct socioeconomic groups through a survey. Our results revealed that highest amount of Cr leached was noted in non-stick cookware either in acid or base condition (0.186 and 0.137 mg/L respectively) followed by ceramic cookware under the same pH condition (0.1245 and 0.1142 mg/L) , these values exceeded safe WHO limits guidelines as well as Egyptian standard which represent 228% and 372 % of such limits. Ni was higher in Non-stick and ceramic under acid condition(0.0142 and 0.0118 mg/L) and Non-stick had the highest value in alkaline pH. The amount of lead and cadmium released from cookware were minimal and often undetectable across different pH. However non-stick and ceramic cookware show low concentration of these metals under basic condition. Pyrex had almost equal amount of detected metals that found in control under all pH condition. Stainless steel cookware showed little amount of leachate under different pH . Comparison with WHO and the Egyptian standard (2360/2007 P1 and P2) Revealed that no sample exceeded limit concerning nickel, while amount of chromium in both non stick and ceramic cookware represented about 372 & 274 % (non stick ) and 249 & 228%(ceramic )that of permissible limits under acid and basic condition -in respective order. Pyrex cookware showed least amount leached which are considered closed to control and to the limits mentioned by WHO and Egyptian guideline. Low amount of lead were noted in non stick (maximum permissible limit)and ceramic cookware under basic condition. Results illustrates that old non-stick and old ceramic cookware possess various degrees of genotoxicity under acidic and basic pH compared with control. Highest percentage of viability was showed in cells exposed to sample from Pyrex cookware under acid condition, Moreover under basic pH, viability was 100% with no sign of damage in any cell. This study brought to light that Pyrex even old one is considered safe cookware. These findings highlight the serious genotoxic risk associated with old scratch Non-stick and ceramic cookware.