Determination of Lead in Foods
Determination of Lead in Foods
Lead is a metal predominantly found in the environment, occurring in organic and inorganic forms. Lead is an environmental pollutant that originates naturally and to a greater extent from anthropogenic activities.
The target organ of lead toxicity is the central nervous system. Besides developmental neurotoxicity in young children, lead can also cause cardiovascular effects and nephrotoxicity in adults.
How can lead enter the human body with food?
• Lead in the soil can be consumed by passing to fruits or vegetables.
• Lead in or on plants cannot be completely removed by washing or other food processing steps.
• Human consumption of lead-containing plants or animals that consume water.
• Lead can enter production processes without realizing it. For example, plumbing containing lead can contaminate water used in food production.
• The products used while serving or storing the food contain lead and it can enter the human body.
"Lead Determination" is one of the important test parameters required in foods due to the negative effects on the human body and the ways of easily contaminating foods.