Carcinogenic Risk from Lead and Cadmium Contaminating Cow Milk and Soya Beverage Brands Available in the Portuguese Market

TL;DR

This study assesses cancer risks from lead and cadmium in cow milk and soy beverages in Portugal, finding significant risks for children and adolescents.

Contribution

The study quantifies carcinogenic risks from Pb and Cd in milk and soy drinks and models consumption scenarios across age groups.

Findings

Five cow milk and three soy beverage brands posed cancer risks to children with ELCR values up to 1.75 × 10−4.

Lead contributed 87.8% of the risk in cow milk and 54.9% in soy beverages on average.

Carcinogenic risks were observed across age groups, but remained above typical Portuguese intake levels.

Abstract

Our previous work demonstrated the presence of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in cow milk (CM) and soy beverages (SBs) in Portugal. These metals share carcinogenic mechanisms, suggesting at least additive effects. Our goals were to assess carcinogenic risks from Pb and Cd intake detected in various CM and SB brands on the Portuguese market and to determine the relative contributions of Pb and Cd. Furthermore, we modeled different consumption scenarios for various age/body weight groups to estimate cumulative Excess Lifetime Carcinogenic Risk (ELCR). ELCR was computed by multiplying chronic daily intake by a cancer slope factor for each metal, with an ELCR > 1 × 10−4 indicating carcinogenic risk. Five CM and three SB brands posed cancer risks in children, with the highest values at 1.75 × 10−4 and 9.12 × 10−5, respectively; Pb had mean relative contributions of 87.8 ± 3.1% in CM and 54.9 ± 12.1% in SB. Carcinogenic risks were observed for children, adolescents, and adults in several CM or SB consumption scenarios, albeit at levels above typical Portuguese intakes. Strict monitoring of metal levels, such as Pb and Cd, is advised because CM is a component of many foods, including baby food.

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