Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Health Risks in Honey from Kellem Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Honey is consumed worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal value, but it can also expose people to toxic metals from environmental contamination. This study analyzes heavy metal levels and assesses health risks using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in honey collected from three areas in the Kellem Wollega Zone, Ethiopia: Dambi Dollo, Gawo Kebe, and Anafilo. The concentrations followed the order: Zn > Fe > Pb > Mn > Cu > Ni > Cd. Notably, Pb and Cd levels exceeded the WHO/FAO maximum permissible limits. The assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks for adult consumers based on the average daily dose, target hazard quotient, and hazard index indicated that all calculated values were below the critical threshold of 1. This result suggests that honey consumption poses no significant non-carcinogenic risk. In contrast, the estimated target cancer risk and cumulative cancer risk (∑TCR) exceeded safety thresholds, indicating potential moderate lifetime carcinogenic risk from chronic exposure. Likely sources of high metal levels include local mining activities, agricultural inputs, and improper honey storage. Consequently, these findings highlight the need for continuous environmental monitoring, stricter regulations, and improved apicultural practices to ensure honey safety and protect public health.