Dietary Intake of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead
by the Population of Catalonia, Spain

Roser Martí-Cid

Juan M. Llobet

Victoria Castell

José L. Domingo

Received: 15 April 2008 / Accepted: 5 May 2008 /
Published online: 6 June 2008

# Humana Press Inc. 2008

Abstract The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb)
were determined in samples of food items widely consumed by the population of Catalonia,
Spain. All samples were randomly acquired in 12 cities of Catalonia between March and
June of 2006 and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The dietary
intake of these elements was estimated for various age

–gender groups of population:

children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. In order to determine the temporal trend on the
dietary exposure to As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, the current results were compared with those of a
previous survey (2000). In the present market basket study, for a standard male adult of 70-kg
body weight living in Catalonia, the dietary intakes of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were 261.01, 9.80,
12.61, and 45.13

μg/day, respectively, while in the 2000 survey, these intakes were 223.59,

15.73, 21.22, and 28.37

μg/day, for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, respectively. For As, the only food

groups currently contributing with measurable amounts to intake of total As were fish and
shellfish and cereals, while for Cd the highest contribution to total intake corresponded to
pulses, tubers, and cereals. For Hg, the contribution was only due to fish and shellfish, while
cereals were the group with the highest contribution to total Pb intake. The estimated intakes
of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb are notably lower than the respective provisional tolerable weekly
intakes, which indicate that these intakes should not mean additional health risks for the
consumers.

Keywords Arsenic . Cadmium . Mercury . Lead . Foodstuffs . Dietary intake . Health risks

Biol Trace Elem Res (2008) 125:120

–132

DOI 10.1007/s12011-008-8162-3

R. Martí-Cid

J. L. Domingo (

Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine,

“Rovira i Virgili” University,

San Lorenzo 21, 43201 Reus, Spain
e-mail: joseluis.domingo@urv.cat

J. M. Llobet
GRET-CERETOX, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avgda. Joan XXIII s/n,
08028 Barcelona, Spain

V. Castell
Catalan Food Safety Agency, Department of Health, Generalitat de Catalunya, Roc Boronat 81-95,
08005 Barcelona, Spain

Introduction

It is well known that metals are natural components of the Earth crust, which can be present in
air, soils, and waters [

–

]. However, certain metals can be also important environmental

pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure [

]. While metals such as

cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), or zinc (Zn) among others are essential for humans,
elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) have no beneficial
effects, and there is no known homeostasis mechanism for them in humans [

]. Although

toxicity and the resulting threat to human health of any contaminant are, of course, a function
of concentration, it is well known that chronic exposure to As, Cd, Hg, and Pb at relatively
low levels can cause adverse effects [

]. Metals enter the human body mainly through

inhalation and ingestion, and for most non-occupationally-exposed individuals, diet is the
main route of human exposure [

–

]. It must be noted that although metals can change their

chemical form, they cannot be degraded or destroyed. Therefore, the risk assessment of these
elements via dietary intake is an important issue [

]. Mercury is an element of special

concern [

]. Because of the potential content of methylmercury in fish and shellfish, the

European Commission has recommended some restrictions concerning the consumption of
marine species (especially predatory species, which accumulate Hg over a long lifetime) [

This is particularly important for children, pregnant women, and breast-feeding mothers.

During 2000

–2002, we measured the levels of a number of chemical contaminants (including

As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in various groups of foodstuffs purchased from Catalonia (Spain). Dietary
intake of the pollutants was subsequently estimated for various age and gender groups of the
population of that country [

–

]. The highest levels of most metals and organic pollutants

were mainly detected in fish and shellfish [

–

]. However, due to technical and economical

reasons, the levels of the contaminants were only determined in three species of fresh fish and
shellfish and in two species of canned fish. This was a limiting factor for the purpose of
establishing recommendations for the consumers. Taking this into account, our previous survey
was recently extended in the number of analyzed edible marine species. The levels of As, Cd, Hg,
and Pb were measured in the 14 species of fish and shellfish most consumed in Catalonia [

In order to establish the temporal trend in the total dietary intake of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb

by the population of Catalonia, in addition to fish and shellfish, foodstuffs belonging to the
remaining ten food groups assessed in our previous (2000

–2002) survey were also

analyzed. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization

–World Health Organization

(FAO

–WHO) [

], three basic approaches can be used to determine the intake of a food

contaminant: (1) total diet study, (2) duplicate diet method, and (3) diary study, which
combines data for specific contaminants in food with individual (or household)
consumption data. In the present study, as well as in our previous one [

], the total diet

study was used to determine As, Cd, Hg, and Pb dietary intakes. We here present the results
of this new study concerning the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in a number of
foodstuffs, as well as the human exposure through the diet of these potentially toxic
elements. A comparison with the results of our 2000 survey is also done.

Materials and Methods

Sampling

Between March and June 2006, food samples were randomly acquired in local markets, big
supermarkets, and grocery stores from 12 cities (Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat,

Dietary Intake of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb by the Catalonia Population

121

Vilanova i la Geltrú, Mataró, Sabadell, Terrassa, Girona, Tarragona, Reus, Tortosa, Lleida,
and Manresa) of Catalonia, Spain. For collection of samples, two groups were made up.
The first group included meat of beef (steak, hamburger), pork (loin, sausage), chicken
(breast), and lamb (steak); vegetables and tubers (lettuce, tomato, cauliflower, string bean,
potato); fruits (apple, orange, pear, banana), and eggs. The second group included cow milk
(whole, semi-skimmed) and dairy products (yoghurt, cheese); cereals (French bread,
sandwich bread, pasta, rice); pulses (lentil, haricot bean); oils (olive, sunflower) and fats
(margarine, butter); meat products (boiled ham, frankfurt, salami); and industrial bakery
(croissant, cookie, fairy cake).

Because in the first group most products are usually retailed, their origins could be

very diversified in the different cities. Therefore, in that group, four composite samples
were analyzed for each food item. Each composite was made up of 24 individual
samples, which were collected in different places. In contrast, most food items included
in the second group corresponded to brands

–trademarks that might be easily obtained

in many different places. Consequently, in this group, only two composite samples
were analyzed for each food item. These composites were made up of 24 individual
samples of similar weights, which were collected in four different places of a same
city.

Analytical Methods and Instrumentation

The levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in food samples were determined after previous digestion.
About 0.5 g of homogenized samples was predigested with 5 ml of 65% nitric acid
(Suprapur, E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) in Teflon vessels for 8 h at room temperature.
Subsequently, solutions were heated at 80°C for eight additional hours. On completion of
the digestion and after adequate cooling, solutions were filtered and made up to 25 ml with
ultrapure water. The concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined by inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Perkin-Elmer Elan 6000). Rh was used as internal
standard.

The accuracy of the instrumental methods and analytical procedures was checked by

duplication of the samples. Analytical-grade reagents were used for blanks and calibration
curves, whereas quality control of the methodology was assured by analyzing a certified
reference material (TORT-2 Lobster hepatopancreas, NRC Canada). For sets of every ten
samples, a procedure blank and spike sample, involving all reagents, was run to check for
interference and cross-contamination. Replicate measurements were performed. The limits
of detection (LOD, fresh weight) were the following: As 0.100

μg/g, Hg 0.100 μg/g, Cd

0.025

μg/g, and Pb 0.025 μg/g. The recovery rates (in percentage) were found to be

between 80% and 120%.

Dietary Exposure Estimates

Consumption data by the general population of Catalonia of the analyzed foodstuffs were
taken from Serra-Majem et al. [

]. As only 50 food items were included in this survey,

total dietary intake of metals for each food group was calculated by summing the results of
multiplying the metal concentration in each specific food item by the amount
(proportionally estimated) consumed of that item. Finally, total dietary intake was obtained
by summing the respective intakes from each food group. For calculations, when the
concentration of an element was under the respective LOD, that value was assumed to be
equal to zero (ND=0).

122

Martí-Cid et al.

Table 1 Concentrations (Nanogram Per Kilogram of Fresh Weight) of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and
Lead in Food Samples Collected in Catalonia, Spain

Veal steak

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.025

Hamburger

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.038

Loin of pork

<0.100

0.008

<0.100

0.032

Pork sausage

<0.100

0.044

<0.100

0.090

Chicken breast

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.036

Lamb

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.038

Boiled ham

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.044

Frankfurt

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.041

Salami

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.044

Meat and meat products

<0.100

0.006

<0.100

0.043

Sardine

3.675

0.003

0.082

0.027

Tuna

1.132

0.006

0.485

<0.025

Anchovy

4.633

0.006

0.082

<0.025

Mackerel

4.186

0.003

0.094

<0.025

Swordfish

2.100

0.051

1.928

<0.025

Salmon

1.896

0.004

0.046

0.099

Hake

4.095

0.002

0.187

0.050

Red mullet

16.581

<0.025

0.233

<0.025

Sole

6.088

<0.025

0.082

0.026

Cuttlefish

2.992

0.065

0.024

<0.025

Squid

4.255

0.050

0.056

0.046

Clam

2.233

0.143

0.018

0.056

Mussel

2.227

0.132

0.020

0.151

Shrimp

6.309

0.017

0.118

<0.025

Fish and shellfish

4.457

0.034

0.247

0.033

Lettuce

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.052

Tomato

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.043

Cauliflower

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.034

String bean

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.044

Vegetables

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.043

Potato

<0.100

0.032

<0.100

0.032

Tubers

<0.100

0.032

<0.100

0.032

Apple

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.044

Orange

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.037

Pear

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.029

Banana

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

Fruits

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.028

Eggs

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.042

Eggs

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.042

Whole milk

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.034

Semi-skimmed milk

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.094

Milk

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.064

Yoghurt

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.034

Cheese

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

Dairy products

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.017

French bread

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.040

Sandwich bread

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.068

Rice

0.180

<0.025

<0.100

0.034

Pasta

<0.100

0.034

<0.100

0.032

Cereals

0.045

0.009

<0.100

0.044

Dietary Intake of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb by the Catalonia Population

123

Results and Discussion

The concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the 50 food items analyzed in the present
survey are summarized in Table

. In our previous (2000) market basket study, the highest

concentrations of the four elements were found in the group of fish and shellfish [

]. In

contrast, the lowest As, Cd, and Hg concentrations were found in pulses, vegetables, and
fruits, while the lowest Pb levels were detected in pulses and milk, followed by fruits [

In the present study, although the highest levels of As and Hg were also found in fish and
shellfish, those of Cd and Pb were detected in pulses (Cd) and oils and fats (Pb). The
notable increase in the levels of Cd in pulses was unexpected. In fact, it was only due to the
comparatively high Cd concentration found in haricot beans. By contrast, the levels of Pb in
oils and fats could be reasonably expected according to the results already found in the
2000 survey, where oils and fats were in second place, just after fish and shellfish. In the
groups of vegetables, tubers, fruits, eggs, milk, dairy products, and industrial bakery,
the current concentrations of As, Cd, and Hg were under their respective detection limits.
However, Pb could be detected in all food groups, with concentrations ranging between
0.012 ng/kg of fresh weight for industrial bakery and 0.080 ng/kg of fresh weight for oils
and fats.

For a standard male adult of 70-kg body weight, living in Catalonia, Table

summarizes

data on food consumption, as well as the daily intakes of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb through the
foodstuffs analyzed in this study. In turn, Table

shows (for a standard male adult of 70-kg

body weight) data on food intake and dietary intake of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, as well as the
estimated intake of inorganic As and methylmercury. These data are presented according to
12 food groups. To estimate inorganic As and methylmercury intake, percentages of 10%
and 90% of the total As and Hg, respectively, were assumed [

]. In the present market

basket study, the dietary intakes of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were 261.01, 9.80, 12.61, and
45.13

μg/day, respectively. In the 2000 survey, these intakes were 223.59, 15.73, 21.22, and

28.37

μg/day, for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, respectively. It must be noted that the daily

consumption of the specifically analyzed foodstuffs was 1,444 g in 2000 vs. the current
1,228 g. Moreover, for comparing the results of both surveys, it must be taken into account

Table 1 (continued)

Lentil

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

Haricot bean

<0.100

0.234

<0.100

0.094

Pulses

<0.100

0.117

<0.100

0.047

Olive oil

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

Sunflower oil

<0.100

0.165

<0.100

0.318

Margarine

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

Butter

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

Oils and fats

<0.100

0.041

<0.100

0.080

Croissant

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

<0.025

Fairy cake

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.037

Industrial bakery

<0.100

<0.025

<0.100

0.012

For each food group, the arithmetic mean value of the described same category foodstuffs is indicated in
bold.

124

Martí-Cid et al.

Table 2 Food Intake (Gram Per Day) and Intake of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead through the Diet
of Male Adults in Catalonia, Spain

Daily
intake
(g/day)

As intake
(

μg/day)

Inorganic
As intake
(

μg/day)

Cd intake
(

μg/day)

Hg intake
(

μg/day)

MeHg
intake
(

μg/day)

Pb intake
(

μg/day)

Veal steak

33.74

0.00

0.84

Hamburger

3.84

0.00

0.15

Loin of pork

18.13

0.00

0.15

0.00

0.58

Pork sausage

14.27

0.00

0.63

0.00

1.28

Chicken breast

39.66

0.00

1.43

Lamb

8.42

0.00

0.32

Boiled ham

8.05

0.00

0.35

Frankfurt

3.03

0.00

0.12

Salami

10.77

0.00

0.47

Meat and meat

products studied

139.91

0.00

0.77

0.00

5.55

Meat and meat

products
considered

171.90

0.00

0.95

0.00

6.82

Sardine

3.78

13.89

1.39

0.01

0.31

0.28

0.10

Tuna

10.13

11.47

1.15

0.06

4.91

4.42

0.00

Anchovy

2.05

9.49

0.95

0.01

0.17

0.15

0.00

Mackerel

1.13

4.73

0.47

0.00

0.11

0.10

0.00

Swordfish

0.06

0.12

0.01

0.00

0.11

0.10

0.00

Salmon

1.80

3.41

0.34

0.01

0.08

0.07

0.18

Hake

15.78

64.61

6.46

0.03

2.94

2.65

0.79

Red mullet

0.33

5.48

0.55

0.00

0.08

0.07

0.00

Sole

5.48

33.38

3.34

0.00

0.45

0.40

0.14

Cuttlefish

4.46

13.34

1.33

0.29

0.11

0.10

0.00

Squid

3.17

13.49

1.35

0.16

0.18

0.16

0.15

Clam

0.27

0.60

0.06

0.04

0.00

0.02

Mussel

0.97

2.16

0.22

0.13

0.02

0.15

Shrimp

3.53

22.27

2.23

0.06

0.42

0.37

0.00

Fish and shellfish

studied

52.94

198.45

19.84

0.80

9.89

8.90

1.52

Fish and shellfish

considered

67.53

253.16

25.32

1.03

12.61

11.35

1.94

Lettuce

22.92

0.00

1.19

Tomato

48.56

0.00

2.09

Cauliflower

5.40

0.00

0.18

String bean

16.82

0.00

0.74

Vegetables studied

93.69

0.00

4.20

Vegetables

considered

159.66

0.00

7.16

Potato

73.06

0.00

2.34

0.00

2.34

Tubers studied

73.06

0.00

2.34

0.00

2.34

Tubers considered

73.06

0.00

2.34

0.00

2.34

Apple

46.51

0.00

2.05

Orange

45.56

0.00

1.69

Pear

13.89

0.00

0.40

Banana

29.23

0.00

Fruits studied

135.19

0.00

4.14

Fruits considered

193.61

0.00

5.92

Dietary Intake of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb by the Catalonia Population

125

that for intake estimations in the present study values not detected were assumed to be
equal to zero (ND=0), while in the 2000 survey ND values were considered to be equal to
1/2 LOD. Probably, the present assumption is more realistic, but there is no doubt that it can
also add a distortion factor.

Table 2 (continued)

Daily
intake
(g/day)

As intake
(

μg/day)

Inorganic
As intake
(

μg/day)

Cd intake
(

μg/day)

Hg intake
(

μg/day)

MeHg
intake
(

μg/day)

Pb intake
(

μg/day)

Eggs

31.07

0.00

1.31

Eggs studied

31.07

0.00

1.31

Eggs considered

31.29

0.00

1.31

Whole milk

86.93

0.00

2.96

Semi-skimmed milk

40.18

0.00

3.78

Milk studied

127.12

0.00

6.73

Milk considered

128.39

0.00

6.80

Yoghurt

46.47

0.00

1.58

Cheese

9.70

0.00

Dairy products

studied

56.17

0.00

1.58

Dairy products

considered

75.62

0.00

2.13

French bread

107.51

0.00

4.30

Sandwich bread

5.23

0.00

0.36

Rice

42.23

7.60

0.00

1.44

Pasta

62.20

0.00

2.11

0.00

1.99

Cereals studied

217.16

7.60

2.11

0.00

8.08

Cereals considered

224.33

7.85

2.18

0.00

8.35

Lentil

8.93

0.00

Haricot bean

6.51

0.00

1.52

0.00

0.61

Pulses studied

15.45

0.00

1.52

0.00

0.61

Pulses considered

30.36

0.00

3.00

0.00

1.20

Olive oil

24.08

0.00

Sunflower oil

1.85

0.00

0.30

0.00

0.59

Margarine

0.36

0.00

Butter

0.81

0.00

Oils and fats studied

27.09

0.00

0.30

0.00

0.59

Oils and fats

considered

27.16

0.00

0.31

0.00

0.59

Croissant

8.43

0.00

4.27

0.00

Fairy cake

6.34

0.00

0.23

Industrial bakery

studied

19.04

0.00

0.23

Industrial bakery

considered

45.45

0.00

0.56

Total food study

987.89

206.05

27.45

7.86

9.89

8.90

36.88

Total food

considered

1,228.36

261.01

33.17

9.80

12.61

11.35

45.13

For each food group, the arithmetic mean value of the described same category foodstuffs is indicated in
bold. Data on studied products refer to all the above indicated items, while considered products (also in bold)
refer to all consumed foods although not necessarily analyzed in the current study.

126

Martí-Cid et al.

For As, the only groups currently contributing with measurable amounts to intake of

total As were fish and shellfish (253.16

μg/day) and cereals (7.85 μg/day). Both groups

were also the main contributors to total As intake in 2000 [

]. The increase in dietary

intake of As (16.7%) between both studies is mainly due to the increase in the contribution of
fish and shellfish (currently 253.16 vs. 203.32

μg/day). For comparison of results, it is

important to remark that, in the 2000 survey, only three species of fresh fish and shellfish and
two species of canned fish were included vs. the 14 species of fish and shellfish analyzed in
the present study. However, the daily consumption of fish and shellfish decreased from 92 g
(2000) to 68 g (current). For Cd intake, there was a notable reduction (37.7%) between both
surveys (15.73

μg/day in 2000 vs. the current 9.80 μg/day). The current highest contribution

to total Cd intake corresponded to pulses (3.00

μg/day), followed by tubers (2.34 μg/day) and

cereals (2.18

μg/day). In the 2000 study, the highest Cd contribution corresponded to cereals

(6.80

μg/day), followed by fish and shellfish (3.33 μg/day) and tubers (1.47 μg/day). In the

present study, total dietary intake of Hg was estimated to be 12.61

μg/day. Although in

principle, it would mean a notable reduction of 40.6%, it must be noted that, for calculations,
the current contribution was only due to fish and shellfish. Daily Pb intake increased notably
(59.1%) between both studies. This increase was found in almost all food groups, fish and
shellfish being the only group showing an important reduction. As in the 2000 survey [

cereals were the group with the highest contribution to total Pb intake.

The intakes (microgram per day) through the diet of total and inorganic As, Cd, total Hg

and methylmercury (MeHg), and Pb by the population of Catalonia classified according to
gender and age are depicted in Figs.

, and

. For total As (Fig.

), the highest

Table 3 Food Consumption and Intake of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead through the Diet of Male
Adults in Catalonia, Spain

Daily
consumption

(g) 2006

As
intake

(

μg/day)

Inorganic
As intake
(

μg/day)

Cd
intake
(

μg/day)

Hg
intake
(

μg/day)

MeHg
intake
(

μg/day)

Pb
intake
(

μg/day)

Meat and meat

products

172 (14.0)

0.00

7.16

Fish and shellfish

68 (5.5)

0.00

6.80

Vegetables

160 (13.0)

0.00

0.36

Tubers

73 (5.9)

7.60

2.11

0.00

8.08

Fruits

194 (15.8)

0.00

Eggs

31 (2.5)

0.00

Milk

128 (10.5)

0.00

Dairy products

76 (6.2)

206.05

27.45

7.86

9.89

8.90

36.88

Cereals

224 (18.3)

0.00

Pulses

30 (2.5)

0.00

Oils and fats

27 (2.2)

0.00

Bakery products

45 (3.7)

0.00

Total intake

1,228 (100)

213.65

35.05

9.97

9.89

8.90

59.28

Total intake

(

μg/kg body

weight per day)

3.05

0.50

0.14

0.13

0.85

Results are given for a male adult of 70-kg body weight

Percentages of total consumption are presented in parenthesis.

Data were calculated assuming that, when a concentration was below the detection limit, the concentration

was equal to zero.

Dietary Intake of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb by the Catalonia Population

127

intakes corresponded to boys and male seniors, while the lowest intake was observed in
adolescents (males and females). However, the highest intake (Fig.

) of inorganic As was

found in male seniors and adults. In turn, boys and male adolescents were the groups
showing the highest Cd intake (Fig.

), while the lowest intakes corresponded to female

adults and seniors. For both, total Hg (Fig.

) and MeHg (Fig.

), children (boys and girls)

showed the highest intake. By contrast, the lowest intake was observed in male adolescents
and in female seniors. Finally, all age

–gender groups showed similar Pb intakes, the

differences among groups being rather small (Fig.

For the assessment of health risks of the above intakes, these have been compared with

the current provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI) for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb [

]. For

inorganic As, the PTWI is 15

μg/kg of body weight per week or 128 μg/day for a subject of

60 kg. In the present study, all analyses were carried out for total (organic and inorganic)
As. However, it is well known that most As found in fish and shellfish is organic As, which
is the less toxic form. In the literature, the percentage of inorganic As in fish and shellfish
has been reported to be between 0.02% and 11% [

], whereas the maximum

acceptable daily load for As, set by the WHO in 1967 and unrevised in 1989, is 3,000

μg

for a subject of 60 kg [

]. Taking this into account, in the current study, the estimated

intake of As would not be of concern for any age group. The total As intake was lower than
that found in traditional fish-consuming countries such as the Basque country (Spain) and
Japan, with values of 297

μg/day [

] and 280

μg/day [

], respectively. The current total

Total As (µg/day)

100

150

200

250

300

oys

irls

sce

nts

e A

ent

iors

eni

Fig. 1 Dietary intake of total As
by the population of Catalonia.
The intake was calculated by
summing the results of multiply-
ing the total As concentration in
each specific food item by the
amount consumed of that item by
each group of population (data
from Serra-Majem et al. [

])

Inorganic As (µg/day)

irls

Male

Adol

escent

Femal

e Adolescen

ale

le Ad

ult

ale

ors

e Se

niors

Fig. 2 Dietary intake of inorgan-
ic As by the population of Cata-
lonia. The intake was calculated
by summing the results of multi-
plying the inorganic As concen-
tration in each specific food item
by the amount consumed of that
item by each group of population
(data from Serra-Majem et al.
[

])

128

Martí-Cid et al.

As intake for a male adult of 70-kg body weight was similar or lower to those found in
previous studies of our research group performed in Tarragona Province (Catalonia):
273

μg/day in 1998 [

] and 458

μg/day in 2003 [

For a male adult, the current Cd intake is notably lower than the PTWI of this element

(60

μg/day for a subject of 60 kg). This Cd intake is similar to or lower than that recently

reported for other European countries and regions: Canary Islands (Spain), 11

μg/day [

];

UK, 12

μg/day [

]; Basque country, 11

–29 μg/day [

]; France, 17

μg/day [

]; Denmark,

μg/ day [

]; Germany, 22.2

μg/day [

]; and Huludao City (China), 41.9

μg/day [

It was also lower than the intake found in our previous surveys performed in Tarragona
Province: 18.2

μg/day [

] and 14.3

μg/day [

The Hg PTWI has been established at 5

μg/kg of body weight as total Hg or 43 μg/day

for an individual of 60-kg body weight [

]. In the present survey, the dietary Hg intakes

for all age

–gender groups were lower than the PTWI. However, they were higher than those

previously reported for subjects living in Tarragona Province, 4.8

μg/day [

] and 5.3

μg/

day [

] or for British 3

μg/day [

], Danish, 3.3

μg/day [

], or Chinese, 2.14

μg/day [

]

populations. However, it is important to note the reduction found with respect to our 2000
survey (21.2

μg/day for an adult male) [

For Pb, a PTWI of 25

μg/kg of body weight was established by the FAO–WHO [

which is equivalent to 214

μg/day for an individual of 60 kg. In the current study, the

highest Pb intake corresponded to male seniors (48

μg/day for 65-kg body weight), a value

Cd (µ

g/day

)

rls

sce

ale

dul

Fem

ale

le Se

Fig. 3 Dietary intake of Cd by
the population of Catalonia. The
intake was calculated by sum-
ming the results of multiplying
the Cd concentration in each
specific food item by the amount
consumed of that item by each
group of population (data from
Serra-Majem et al. [

])

Hg (µg/day)

Boys

Girls

Male Adolescents

Female Adolescents

Male Adult

Female Adult

Male Seniors

Female Seniors

Fig. 4 Dietary intake of total Hg
by the population of Catalonia.
The intake was calculated by
summing the results of multiply-
ing the total Hg concentration in
each specific food item by the
amount consumed of that item by
each group of population (data
from Serra-Majem et al. [

])

Dietary Intake of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb by the Catalonia Population

129

equivalent to 20.7% of the PTWI. In contrast with the general tendency reported for most
developed countries, Pb intake was increased in relation with our 2000 survey. However, it
is still lower or similar than that found to other studies performed in Catalonia during the
1990s, 115

μg/day [

] and 49

μg/day [

], and the present decade, 44.8

μg/day [

]. The

current intakes are also of similar magnitude to those reported for other industrialized
countries such as the Basque country, 34

μg/day [

], or France, 52

μg/day [

]. However,

they are still higher than Pb intake in Denmark, with a median of 18

μg/day [

], and UK,

μg/day [

], but lower than recent results found in Canary Islands, 72.8

μg/day [

], or

in the area of Huludao City, China, 81.5

μg/day [

]. In a recent study to assess health risks

of metal from consuming vegetables, fruits and rice grown on soils irrigated with waters of
the Ebro River in Catalonia, the intake for an adult male was 7.97

μg/day for As and 1.70

for Pb, being negligible for Cd and Hg [

In comparison with our previous (2000) survey [

], the dietary intakes of As, Cd, Hg,

and Pb by the population of Catalonia have shown some relevant changes. Thus, while
daily intake of total As and Pb increased, those of Cd and total Hg decreased. The reason
for these changes is mainly due to the variations in the concentrations of these elements
found in the analyzed foods. Especially amazing has been the increase found in Pb intake,
as it seemed already sufficiently demonstrated that in recent years the atmospheric levels of
this element were being significantly reduced. Further studies should corroborate if this
trend still remains. Anyhow, the estimated intakes of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb are notably lower

MeHg (µg/day)

Boys

Girls

Male Adolescents

Female Adolescents

Male Adult

Female Adult

Male Seniors

Female Seniors

Fig. 5 Dietary intake of MeHg
by the population of Catalonia.
The intake was calculated by
summing the results of multiply-
ing the MeHg concentration in
each specific food item by the
amount consumed of that item by
each group of population (data
from Serra-Majem et al. [

])

Pb (

g/day)

oys

irls

Fem

e Ad

ult

Fig. 6 Dietary intake of Pb by
the population of Catalonia. The
intake was calculated by sum-
ming the results of multiplying
the Pb concentration in each
specific food item by the amount
consumed of that item by each
group of population (data from
Serra-Majem et al. [

])

130

Martí-Cid et al.

than the respective PTWIs, which indicates that these intakes should not mean additional
health risks for the consumers.

Acknowledgment This study was supported by the Catalan Food Safety Agency, Department of Health,
Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

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