Health Impact of Heavy Metals in Samples of Dried Fruits in Iraq

This study was carried out to assess the health hazards associated with the amount of the heavy metal lead (Pb), which is one of them, and samples of chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) of dried fruits sold in Iraqi marketplaces. We gathered and used atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) to assess 15 different samples of dried fruits that were imported from Iran. The average metal concentrations were as follows: (Pb = 0.6416 mg/kg), (Cd = 0.1910 mg/kg), and (Cr = 0.3544 mg/kg), according to the data. A number of samples were found to be above the FAO/WHO maximum allowable levels, which are 0.12 mg/kg for chromium and 0.05 mg/kg for cadmium. Apple (Cd = 0.897 mg/kg), peach (Cr = 1.289 mg/kg), and quince (Pb = 1.951 mg/kg) had the greatest values. Pb, Cd, and Cr had average estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of 0.4584, 0.1502, and 0.2532 mg/kg/day, respectively, according to the health hazard indices that were also constructed. Cd = 0.1364, Cr = 0.084, and Pb = 0.131 were the average target hazard quotient (THQ) index. The average hazard index (HI) for all metals was less than 1, at 0.351, showing no direct noncarcinogenic health harm associated with regular use. The possibility of long-term cumulative hazards, however, is indicated by samples that exceed the allowable levels, necessitating stricter food control of imported goods. The TCR (carcinogenic risk) values for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) levels were assessed in dried fruit samples. The average overall TCR value was 5.106 ± 1.10, with a range of 0.002 × 10^-6 to 16.90 × 10^-6. Every one of these values falls below the acceptable ranges (10^-6 and 10^-4) established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), suggesting that eating these fruits did not significantly increase a person's chance of developing cancer. This is one of the rare studies to focus on dried fruits in Iraq, despite the fact that there have been earlier international studies on heavy metals in fruits. In accordance with the international standards, such as THQ, HI, and TCR, it integrates chemical assessment with health analysis to produce reliable data that back up the nation's food control initiatives.