Carcinogenic Risk Assessment from Lead in Children’s Food in Iraq at Age of 10 Years

IJEP 46(9): 907-912 : Vol. 46 Issue 9 (September 2026)

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Wael Sahib Alnweny1, Mohammed Q. Almayali1, Haider Salih Jaffat2 and Ali Abid Abojassim3*

1. University of Kufa, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Najaf, 54001, Iraq
2. University of Kufa, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Najaf, 54001, Iraq
3. University of Kufa, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Najaf, 54001, Iraq

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of lead present in the food that children eat. The most readily available samples from Iraq’s local markets were analyzed, totaling fifteen samples (five samples of children’s food made of milk powder, five samples of children’s food made of milk products and five samples of other foods (powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and sweets)). Atomic flame absorptiometry used to analyze all samples revealed the presence of lead, with the greatest concentrations found in children’s meals made up of milk products (3.180 ppm). According to the results of the contamination risks, the mean daily consumption of lead was 1.634 mg/kg/day, above the 100% limit. While the range values for milk product samples were 1.850-2.790 mg/kg/day and for other items (dairy products, powdered milk, fruits, vegetables and sweets) were 0.014-0.071 mg/kg/day, the results of Pb concentrations for milk powder samples ranged from 0.106-0.071 mg/kg. As a consequence, Pb contents in the healthiest milk product samples for the two types of Iraq were higher than the safe limit suggested by a number of organizations, including the USEPA, WHO, ECE and Iraq. Conversely, the outcomes of cancer and non-cancer health hazards fell within acceptable limits according to the EPA and WHO.

Keywords

Heavy metals, Lead, Children’s food, Cancer, Iraq

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