Probabilistic carcinogenic and health risk assessment of heavy metals in lettuce and cabbage from Behbahan, Iran, using Monte Carlo simulation

Although the recommendation to use vegetables in the diet and the public's tendency to a healthy lifestyle has led to an increase in the use of lettuce and cabbage, pollutant such as heavy metals in them can lead to health risks for consumers. In this study, the concentration of heavy metals including lead, chromium, cadmium, and nickel in lettuce and cabbage in Behbahan, southern Iran, was investigated and the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of exposure to them in consumers was assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. The results of the analysis of 10 separate samples showed that the average concentrations of lead, chromium, cadmium, and nickel in (lettuce, cabbage) were (0.134, 0.312), (0.306, 0.699), (0.0756, 0.0601), and (0.320, 0.633) mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The hazard quotient values ​​for all studied heavy metals in both cabbage and lettuce samples were less than 1. Also, the hazard index calculated for lettuce and cabbage was 4.58E-1 and 1.52E-1, respectively, which indicate no non-carcinogenic risk for consumers. However, the ELCR from consumption of lettuce and cabbage considering the total concentration of detected heavy metals was 4.14E-03 and 1.40E-03, respectively, indicating an unacceptable carcinogenic risk. Our study highlights the health risk from heavy metals in lettuce and cabbage in a developing region, which should be seriously considered by local policymakers to increase control measures.