Health risks of potentially toxic metals in cereal-based breakfast meals in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Metal exposure through cereal-based breakfasts was studied in humans of varied ages (infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly) to assess the potential health risks metals in food pose to consumers. The total concentrations of As (0.59-0.69 mg/kg), Cd (1.27-1.41 mg/kg), Cr (4.66-9.85 mg/kg), Mn (8.26-9.73 mg/kg), Ni (5.01-5.81 mg/kg) and Pb (0.83-0.92 mg/kg) were all higher than the regulatory limits for metals in cereal-based foods. Metal concentrations assessed via in-vitro bioaccessibility extracts were below the detection limits. Toxicity indices of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were above their respective WHO-permissible tolerable daily intake for all age groups, implying possible health risks due to over-exposure to metals. While the hazard quotients for Cr and Mn among the age groups were less than 1, those for Cd and Ni were greater than 1. There was no public health concern for cancer risk associated with oral exposure to Pb among the various age groups. However, the estimated cancer risk of Cd (185.4 x 10-3) and As (9.2 x 10-3) was greater than the de minimus (10-6), suggesting a public health concern among various age groups. The study found a significant level of metal contaminants in cereal-based foods, which can potentially pose health risks to consumers who consume them.