Health risk assessment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the muscle, liver and gizzard of hen’s marketed in East of Iran

The present study aimed to determine the average concentration of some metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in the chicken, hen’s liver, and gizzard in the east of Iran. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated. In this cross-sectional study, fifty one samples including chicken, hen’s liver and gizzard were obtained from Birjand, Iran. Measurement of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb was carried out by using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). All of the measured metals were detected in 100 % of the samples. The metals had a different distribution pattern. The highest concentration of Cd and Cu was in the liver samples while the Cr and Ni had the highest levels in the chicken. Pb concentration was at the highest level in the gizzard. The least amount of Cr, Ni, and Pb was found in the liver while Cu had the least content in the muscle. EDI had an acceptable level, but the highest daily intake of all studied metals was through muscle. Cr had the highest THQ and it was more than one in the meat. HI in chicken was more than one. Liver and gizzard of hens had a neglectable HI. CR was neglectable in the case of both Cd and Pb, but it was considerable for Cr and Ni. The consumption of chicken in both adults and children may pose a significant health risk for consumers.