Topic: The Health Risks of Heavy Metal Exposure

Metals, being non-biodegradable, persist indefinitely in the environment, facilitating their entry into the human food chain and their ubiquitous presence in our diet. Food safety monitoring programs consistently detect cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in common foods. These metals have no nutritional value or physiological role in the body and are highly toxic. They enter cells and disrupt many essential metal-dependent biological processes through molecular mimicry. Despite the indisputable health threats posed by dietary exposure, there is no consensus on safe exposure levels or critical endpoints necessary to establish a realistic benchmark dose limit (BMDL). Multiple studies have reported the health risks associated with even very low-level metal exposure. It is imperative to redefine acceptable exposure levels, aligning with the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL).

The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a platform to present and review the latest cutting-edge research on the exposure risks of metal pollutants throughout all stages of life, from prenatal exposure to older age. Exposure can occur through breast milk, infant formulas, common foods, food supplements, medications, and polluted air and water. We welcome both fundamental and empirical studies, as well as stakeholder and policy-relevant commentary on potential increases and reductions in population exposure. Manuscripts focusing on vulnerable groups, including women and children, are particularly encouraged.

Heavy metals, food-chain transfer, cadmium, Itai-itai disease, mercury, Minamata disease, lead, child intelligence, safe exposure level, benchmark dose

28 Feb 2025