The aim of this study was to assess the potential health risks of radioactive elements and heavy metals ingested through the consumption of various types of tea imported to the Polish market (black, green, red, oolong and white). The concentrations [Bq/kg] of radionuclides (40K, 137Cs, 226Ra, 210Pb and 228Th) in tea leaves before and after brewing were measured using γ-ray spectrometry with high-purity germanium (HPGe). The concentrations [mg/kg] of the studied elements (Fe, Cr, Cu, Mo, Al, Mn, Ni, P, V, Cd and Pb) were determined using a microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometer (MIP-OES). The results presented here will help to expand the database of heavy metals and radioactivity in teas. With regard to the potential health risk, the percentage of leaching of individual elements in different types of tea infusions was determined, and the assessment of the consumption risk was estimated. Since the calculated exposure factors, namely the HQ (Hazard Quotient) and THQ (Target Hazard Quotient), do not exceed critical levels, teas can still be considered health-beneficial products (most of the radionuclides as well as elements remain in the leaves (65–80%) after brewing).
Authors
- dr hab. Grządka Elżbieta,
- Anna Bastrzyk,
- dr Jolanta Orzeł,
- Agata Oszczak-Nowińska,,
- Bartłomiej Fliszkiewicz,
- Mateusz Siemieniuk link open in new tab ,
- Krzysztof Sobczyński link open in new tab ,
- Olgierd Spławski link open in new tab ,
- Katarzyna Gołębiewska,
- Oskar Ronda link open in new tab ,
- dr inż. Bartłomiej Cieślik link open in new tab
Additional information
- DOI
- Digital Object Identifier link open in new tab 10.3390/foods13050742
- Category
- Publikacja w czasopiśmie
- Type
- artykuły w czasopismach
- Language
- angielski
- Publication year
- 2024
