Lead is a natural environmental contaminant and is widely distributed into the environment due to rock erosion and volcanism, as well as emissions from industry.
In general, human exposure to lead can occur through food, water, air, soil, and dust. Human ingestion occurs primarily through consumption of contaminated food. Chronic ingestion of lead can cause health damage, especially to the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and kidneys.
A total of 2619 samples from different food groups were analyzed for their lead levels. The highest average concentrations were found in the "special foods" food group, which includes dietary supplements and dietetic foods, at 627 μg/kg lead. In all other food groups investigated, significantly lower levels of up to 169 μg/kg were found. Exceedance of the European maximum levels was found in a total of six samples of food supplements.
Dietary exposure was determined using average levels in foods and average food consumption data for different population groups. To estimate intake levels for high consumers, the 95th percentile of exposure (calculated only for consumers) was used for the two food groups that contribute most to total intake. For the remaining food categories, the average exposure (calculated for the total population) was added.
The average dietary exposure to lead is 0.11 μg/kg bw/d for women, 0.12 μg/kg bw/d for men, and 0.14 μg/kg bw/d for children. Exposure of frequent eaters:in is very similar for women, men, and children. Intake levels of 0.29 μg/kg bw/d (women, children) and 0.30 μg/kg bw/d (men) were estimated. The main sources of lead intake in adults are mainly sausages and meat products and vegetables and vegetable products including mushrooms. For children, fruit and vegetable juices as well as nectars also contribute significantly to the total intake.
The intake levels of both average and high consumers are below the toxicological reference values. Based on the available data, the health risk to the Austrian population from dietary lead intake is therefore considered to be low.