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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology
Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
ISSN: 1735-1472
EISSN: 1735-1472
Vol. 6, No. 4, 2009, pp. 671-676
Bioline Code: st09074
Full paper language: English
Document type: Note
Document available free of charge

International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4, 2009, pp. 671-676

 en Determination of cadmium and lead in human milk
Rahimi, E.; Hashemi, M. & Baghbadorani, Z. Torki

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine cadmium and lead concentrations in the breast milk of healthy lactating women who were living in Zarrinshahr, an industrial area of Iran and to investigate the effect of mother’s age, parity and smoking habits in families living in the vicinity of areas contaminated with heavy metals. Cadmium and lead concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in 44 milk samples from healthy lactating women collected on first to sixth postpartum week. Accuracy of the analysis was checked by various methods including the use of reference material. The mean ± standard deviation of cadmium and lead concentrations in human milk were 2.44 ± 1.47 μg/L (range 0.62 - 6.32 μg/L) and 10.39 ± 4.72 μg/L (range 3.18- 24.67 μg/L), respectively. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of lead in milk samples and mother’s age and parity (P < 0.05). Also the concentration of cadmium in breast milk significantly increased (P < 0.05) in mothers who were actively and/or passively exposed to smoking. The results of this study showed that lead and cadmium concentrations in milk samples from lactating women in Zarrinshahr were high. This can be a major public health hazard for the inhabitants living in this industrial region of Iran.

Keywords
Breast milk; Heavy metals; Industrial area; Pollution; Toxic trace elements

 
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