Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Risk Assessment of Consuming Metal-Laden Wild Mushrooms in Nigeria

Author: mycolabadmin
2023-06-30
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Summary

This research investigated the health risks of consuming wild mushrooms in Nigeria that may contain toxic metals. The study found concerning levels of various metals that could pose both cancer and non-cancer health risks, especially for children. This has important implications for everyday life: • People should be cautious about collecting and eating wild mushrooms, particularly from potentially contaminated areas • Children are at higher risk from metal exposure through mushroom consumption than adults • Regular consumption of contaminated wild mushrooms could increase cancer risk over time • Better monitoring and regulation of wild mushroom collection/sale may be needed • Education about safe mushroom sourcing could help reduce health risks

Background

Edible mushrooms are globally acknowledged as important sources of proteins, vitamins, fiber, minerals and have low cholesterol. While they possess various therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer effects, mushrooms can readily accumulate pollutants, especially metals, from contaminated environments. This ability to bioconcentrate pollutants poses potential health risks to humans who consume them.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the potential health risks associated with consuming metal-laden mushrooms in Nigeria by: 1) Analyzing heavy metals in wild mushrooms collected from the field, 2) Conducting systematic review of studies on metal accumulation in Nigerian mushrooms, and 3) Estimating carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with mushroom consumption using both field and systematic review data.

Results

In the field study, Zn had the highest mean concentration while Cd had the lowest in analyzed mushrooms. The systematic review showed Fe had highest and Co had lowest mean concentrations. Hazard indices from both studies exceeded 1 for both age groups, indicating significant health risk. The carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that consuming metal-laden mushrooms increased cancer risk from Cd, Cr, and Ni exposure above acceptable limits of 1E-04 set by USEPA guidelines.

Conclusion

Based on findings from both systematic and field studies, consuming mushrooms collected from metal polluted substrates increases both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks among Nigerians. The study demonstrates that wild mushroom consumption could be an important route of toxic metal exposure in Nigeria.

Published in:Environmental Analysis, Health and Toxicology,
Study Type:Combined Field Study and Systematic Review,
Source: 10.5620/eaht.2023013