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Four decades of global cereal lead contamination patterns
Nan Xiao1, Qihuang Wang2, Yue Wang3
1Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Pollution Control and Safety, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Water Ecological Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Global cereal grains show declining lead levels post-leaded gasoline phase-out, but industrial pollution creates hotspots. High lead burdens in rice, wheat, and corn from specific countries pose risks, especially to children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Food Safety
Background:
- Lead contamination in cereal grains is a global health concern.
- Limited data exists on pollution patterns and policy effectiveness for lead in cereals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess spatiotemporal trends and health risks of lead contamination in global cereal grains.
- To identify current pollution sources and evaluate the impact of socioeconomic factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2843 lead data records from 59 countries (1979-2023).
- Application of the Benchmark Dose approach for risk assessment.
- Correlation analysis with socioeconomic indicators and pollution sources.
Main Results:
- Global lead concentrations have decreased, but regional hotspots persist.
- High lead levels found in rice (Pakistan), wheat (Slovenia), and corn (India).
- Industrial activities (battery manufacturing, smelting) are key current sources; higher income correlates with lower pollution.
Conclusions:
- Eliminating leaded gasoline was a policy success, but industrial lead pollution requires targeted interventions.
- Persistent industrial pollution and socioeconomic factors impact lead levels in cereals.
- Children face neurodevelopmental risks from cereal consumption in affected regions, necessitating improved emission controls and agricultural practices.
