Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment of Mercury from the Korean Total Diet Study

Abstract

As a national project, obtaining information on the amount of heavy metal exposure of individuals through food intake is an important basic parameter for risk assessment. This study was conducted to evaluate dietary exposure levels and various risks from mercury (Hg) in Korean foods. In total, 342 samples comprising 114 food items were collected and then cooked prior to analysis. As found by Hg analysis, the mean content of metal in the fish and shellfish group was highest among the 15 Korean food groups. The total daily amount of Hg intake from typical Korean foods was 2.40 microg/person/d. The daily amount (microg/person/d) of Hg intake from each food group was 0.155 in grains and cereals, 0.008 potatoes and starch, 0.005 sugars and sweets, 0.0093 pulses, 0.0018 nuts and seeds, 0.203 vegetables, 0.027 fruits, 0.021 meats and poultry, 0.004 eggs, 1.826 fish and shellfish, 0.022 seaweed, 0.043 milk and dairy products, 0.008 oils and fats, 0.042 beverages, and 0.023 seasonings. The fish and shellfish group contributed most to total dietary intake at 76%. For risk assessment, probable daily intake (PDI) was calculated and compared with provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The level of Hg intake through fish and shellfish of 0.001 mg/kg body weight bw/wk corresponded to 4.54% of the PTWI value of 0.005 mg/kg bw/wk, the safety standard for JECFA. The level of Hg intake through selected foods from the Food list for Koreans was 0.001 mg/kg bw/wk, corresponding to 5.95% of PTWI value. Therefore, overall intake was at levels below the recommended JECFA levels. The relative gender Hg hazard from Korean foods was 6.26% and 5.5% for males and females, respectively. The relative age Hg hazard from Korean foods was, 8.9% in those 3-6 yr old, 6.7% in those 7-12 yr old, 5.2% in those 13-19 yr old, 5.9% in those 20-29 yr old, 6.3% in those 30-49 yr old, 5.6% in those ages 50-64 yr, and 3.7% in the group of those over 65 yr of age. Relative regional Hg hazard from Korean foods was 6.3% in urban versus 5.5% in rural areas. Thus, the amount of Hg intake through consumption of Korean foods was found to be at a relatively safe level. These data may be thus used to establish safety standards for fish and shellfish consumption.

Relationship between Dietary Mercury Intake and Blood Mercury Level in Korea

“…Choi et al (9) reported that an increased amount of the intake (4.29 µg/day) was obtained from KNHNES in 2008. The dietary intake level of the TDS in 2005 and 2007 was lower than that in this study (7, 8), but Choi et al (9) was not. Yaginuma-Sakurai et al (17) reported that dietary mercury intake level was concurrently inflated as number of dietary items increased.…”

“…Yaginuma-Sakurai et al (17) reported that dietary mercury intake level was concurrently inflated as number of dietary items increased. Choi et al (9) examined 178 food items (47 items were fish and shellfish) of their examination, but the other TDS had comparable food items to this study (7, 8). Thus, it suggested that the level of the dietary mercury intake in our study population was higher than the general population in Korea.…”

“…KFDA reported that the dietary mercury intake of general population in Korea was 2.18-2.40 µg/day based on the results reported in KNHNES in 2005 and 2007 (7, 8). Choi et al (9) reported that an increased amount of the intake (4.29 µg/day) was obtained from KNHNES in 2008.…”

“…However, the study population in the TDS report was focused on the general population (7-10), and therefore it was not sufficient for risky group by frequently-eating the fish and shellfish to be safe. Southeast Korea have largest seafood markets including Jagalchi market and local residents in these areas traditionally consumed the shark which were mercury-laden fish species (11).…”

Human Exposure to Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead from Foods in Catalonia, Spain: Temporal Trend

“…However, the current Hg intake (11.39 μg/day) corresponding to a male adult of 70 kg b. w. was higher than that previously reported for subjects living in Tarragona Province, 4.8 μg/day [22] and 5.3 μg/day [4]. It is also higher than the dietary Hg intake reported for British 3 μg/day [24], Danish, 3.3 μg/day [27], Chinese, 2.14 μg/day [29], and Korean 2.4 μg/day [31] populations. In spite of this, it is important to remark the reduction found with respect to our 2000 and 2006 surveys (21.2 and 12.61 μg/day, respectively, for an adult male) [5,9].…”