Essential and non-essential elements in Brazilian infant food and other rice-based products frequently consumed by children and celiac population

Rice and its derivatives are important source of essential and non-essential elements. Essential elements as cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) are vital for human homeostasis. However, non-essential elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may be present in rice-based food and consequently, people can be exposed—especially children and the celiac population. This study aimed to determine essentials and non-essentials elements in rice-based products and baby food and also to evaluate nutritional risk by estimating the daily intake of non-essential elements. Regarding essential elements, Co and Se presented the highest concentrations in rice flour (56 μg kg⁻¹) and porridge (254 μg kg⁻¹), respectively. For non-essential elements, the highest concentrations of As, Cd and Pb were 104 μg kg⁻¹ (porridge), 16 μg kg⁻¹ (flour), and 188 μg kg⁻¹ (bread), respectively. Total As concentration in Brazilian rice-based baby food was <29 μg kg⁻¹. However, As-speciation revealed inorganic-As (i-As) as the main specie. The highest estimated daily intake of Cd, Pb and i-As were 1.37 (rice-based baby food); 10.39 (pasta); and 3.34 (pasta) μg d⁻¹, respectively. Therefore, continuous food monitoring for nutritional and toxicological purpose is necessary, especially concerning these particular populations and discussions for maximum levels of non-essential elements.     

Metal Pollution (Cd,Pb, Zn,and As) in Agricultural Soils and Soybean,Glycine max,in Southern China

Crops produced on metal-polluted agricultural soils may lead to chronic toxicity to humans via the food chain. To assess metal pollution in agricultural soils and soybean in southern China, 30 soybean grain samples and 17 soybean-field soil samples were collected from 17 sites in southern China, and metal concentrations of samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The integrated pollution index was used to evaluate if the samples were contaminated by Cd, Pb, Zn and As. Results showed that Cd concentration of 12 samples, Pb concentration of 2 samples, Zn concentration of 2 samples, and As concentrations of 2 samples were above the maximum permissible levels in soils. The integrated pollution index indicated that 11 of 17 soil samples were polluted by metals. Metal concentrations in soybean grain samples ranged from 0.11 to 0.91 mg kg^?1 for Cd; 0.34 to 2.83 mg kg^?1 for Pb; 42 to 88 mg kg^?1 for Zn; and 0.26 to 5.07 mg kg^?1 for As, which means all 30 soybean grain samples were polluted by Pb, Pb/Cd, Cd/Pb/As or Pb/As. Taken together, our study provides evidence that metal pollution is an important concern in agricultural soils and soybeans in southern China.     

刁江沿岸土壤重金属污染状况及土地的合理利用模式

目的了解刁江沿岸土壤重金属污染区分布,寻求安全的污染区土地利用模式。方法于2003年在刁江沿岸设置了12个采样断面,采样分析土壤中重金属含量,分析了污染区大米、玉米和桑叶中的重金属(As,Pb,Cd、Zn)含量。结果土壤中的主要污染物为As(19.6～7441mg/kg)、Pb(53.4～1823mg/kg)、Cd(0.35～39.2mg/kg)、Zn(110～4199mg/kg)等,污染区范围与洪水淹没区一致。污染耕地上产出的大米中Cd和Pb含量超过国家食品卫生标准,尤其是大米中Cd的含量超标4.9倍,Pb超标0.905倍;玉米中Pb、Cd和Zn的含量分别超标1.345倍,0.56倍和0.598倍。结论受上游矿山开发影响,刁江沿岸土壤重金属污染十分严重,建议将污染区耕地划定为食用农作物禁止种植区,在污染区开展种桑养蚕试验,将严重尾砂覆盖污染区作为尾砂库并进行植被恢复与重建。     

板齿鼠对田间作物的食量研究

目的测定板齿鼠对田间作物种子或果实的日食量和喜好程度,并分析其性别、年龄、体重以及季节变化与食量的关系,为衡量板齿鼠的危害程度和提出持续控害技术提供理论依据。方法采用实验室人工饲喂的方法,包括室内无选择试验和有选择试验。结果不同作物的食量指数分别为干稻谷（37.48±5.98）g、新鲜稻谷（95.57±7.85）g、番薯（229.84±26.86）g、甜玉米（259.12±27.68）g、花生（101.92±20.40）g、黄豆（40.42±6.56）g、蔬菜（377.96±52.33）g、甘蔗（262.29±34.77）g;除黄豆外,雄鼠的食量指数高于雌鼠;除甘蔗外,幼鼠的食量指数均高于亚成体鼠和成体鼠,且食量与体重具有显著至极显著的线性相关关系;食量呈现冬季最大、秋季居中、夏季最小的季节差异。有选择试验的结果表明：板齿鼠对不同作物的喜好性表现为新鲜稻谷〉甜玉米〉番薯〉干稻谷〉花生〉黄豆〉甘蔗〉蔬菜。结论板齿鼠食量的大小与食物的干物质含量和营养价值、动物的新陈代谢、生长速度、外界环境条件都有很大的关系,喜食指数能准确反映鼠类对不同食物的喜好程度。     

Inter- and intra-variability in the mineral content of rice varieties grown in various microclimatic regions of southern Brazil

The most common goal for rice breeding is to improve the nutritional content and to reduce toxic components. Fourteen varieties of rice were grown for this purpose in six microclimatic regions in southern Brazil. The elemental composition of rice and As-Species were measured by ICP-MS and HPLC-ICP-MS, respectively. Intra- and inter-species variations of essential and non-essential elements in husked grains from an important rice-producing region in Brazil are presented. Arsenic, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn were significantly affected by the microclimatic region and the rice varieties. The only exception observed was the effect of Pb variety selection, with 35.4 % associated with random fluctuations. Varieties with both higher levels of Fe/Zn and lower levels of As/Cd were identified in all regions studied. All regions and varieties were able to produce rice with Cd < 10 μg kg⁻¹, but the Santa Vitoria do Palmar region where varieties with Cd < 45 μg kg⁻¹ were selected. Well-established varieties result in a higher daily intake of essential elements than the varieties under development. Therefore, our findings may provide information to support the selection procedures for varieties, as well as to encourage improvements in management practices between regions.     

Essential and non-essential/toxic trace elements in whey protein supplements

Twenty-six (26) trace elements (essential and non-essential/toxic) were determined in 49 whey protein (WP) supplements available for sale in the Portuguese market by inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry. The most abundant essential trace element was Fe (13.7 ± 16.7 μg/g) and the least abundant was Co (0.040 ± 0.028 μg/g). The estimated daily intake was calculated and, considering a daily consumption of 50 g of WP supplement, on average, 100 % of the recommended dietary allowance for Mo and ca. 40 % for Se is met. A safety assessment was also performed based on the Permitted Daily Exposure limits settled by the USP, general chapter <2232> . The daily consumption of 50 g of WP supplement does not contribute for more than 12.1 % (Cd) of those limits, as regards As, Cd, Pb and Hg. Thus, WP supplements can be considered safe products, regarding the presence of potentially toxic elements.     

Human health risk assessment: A case study involving heavy metal soil contamination after the flooding of the river Meuse during the winter of 1993-1994.

At the end of December 1993 and also at the end of January 1995, the river Meuse, one of the major rivers in Europe, flooded and river banks were inundated. We investigated the possible health risks of exposure to heavy metal concentrations in river bank soils resulting from the flooding of the river Meuse at the end of 1993. Soil and deposit samples and corresponding aerable and fodder crops were collected and analyzed for heavy metals. Although the soils of the floodplain of the river Meuse appeared severely polluted mainly by Cd and Zn, the heavy metal concentrations in the crops grown on these soils were within background ranges. Incidentally, the legal standard for Cd as endorsed by the Commodities Act was exceeded in wheat crops. The main exposure pathways for the general population were through the consumption of food crops grown on the river banks and through the direct ingestion of contaminated soils. For estimating potential human exposure in relation to soil pollution, we used a multiple pathway exposure model. For estimating the actual risk, we determined metal contents of vegetables grown in six experimental gardens. From this study, it can be concluded that there is a potential health risk for the river bank inhabitants as a consequence of Pb and Cd contaminations of the floodplain soils of the river Meuse, which are frequently inundated (averaged flooding frequency once every 2 years).     

Concentrations of Metals in Water,Sediment, Biofilm,Benthic Macroinvertebrates,and Fish in the Boulder River Watershed,Montana, and the Role of Colloids in Metal Uptake

To characterize the partitioning of metals in a stream ecosystem, concentrations of trace metals including As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were measured in water, colloids, sediment, biofilm (also referred to as aufwuchs), macroinvertebrates, and fish collected from the Boulder River watershed, Montana. Median concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn in water throughout the watershed exceeded the U.S. EPA acute and chronic criteria for protection of aquatic life. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in sediment were sufficient in the tributaries to cause invertebrate toxicity. The concentrations of As, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn in invertebrates from lower Cataract Creek (63, 339, 59, 34, and 2,410 μg/g dry wt, respectively) were greater than the concentrations in invertebrates from the Clark Fork River watershed, Montana (19, 174, 2.3, 15, and 648 μg/g, respectively), that were associated with reduced survival, growth, and health of cutthroat trout fed diets composed of those invertebrates. Colloids and biofilm seem to play a critical role in the pathway of metals into the food chain and concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, and Zn in these two components are significantly correlated. We suggest that transfer of metals associated with Fe colloids to biological components of biofilm is an important pathway where metals associated with abiotic components are first available to biotic components. The significant correlations suggest that Cd, Cu, and Zn may move independently to biota (biofilm, invertebrates, or fish tissues) from water and sediment. The possibility exists that Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations increase in fish tissues as a result of direct contact with water and sediment and indirect exposure through the food chain. However, uptake through the food chain to fish may be more important for As. Although As concentrations in colloids and biofilm were significantly correlated with As water concentrations, As concentrations in fish tissues were not correlated with water. The pathway for Pb into biological components seems to begin with sediment because concentrations of Pb in water were not significantly correlated with any other component and because concentrations of Pb in the water were often below detection limits.     

Contents of mineral elements in Swedish market basket diets

The aim of this study was to estimate the average dietary exposure to toxic and essential mineral elements in the Swedish population (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Se, Ca, K, Mg, Na, I). Market baskets were purchased during March-May 1999 in four cities representing the major geographical regions and population centres in Sweden. The market baskets were based on food disappearance data representing more than 90% of annual supply, and were divided into 12 food groups.Large variations between food groups were seen for the average concentrations of most essential elements. Differences between the four cities were relatively small (CoV < 10-20%), exceptions being e.g. Se in cereals and I in meat. Pb concentration varied considerably among food groups ranging from <0.001 mg/kg in soft drinks to 0.027 mg/kg in wine. Cd concentration varied from <0.001 mg/kg in soft drinks and dairy products to 0.024 mg/kg in cereal products. Average contents of the elements were (per/person/day) 1110 mg Ca, 2580 mg Na, 3320 mg K, 285 mg Mg, 11.3 mg Zn, 9.2 mg Fe, 3.5 mg Mn, 1.15 mg Cu, 0.20 mg I, 0.052 mg Se, 0.09 mg Ni, 0.025 mg Cr, 0.011 mg Co, 0.007 mg Pb and 0.010 mg Cd. Compared to a previous study in 1987 no or minor changes in the supply of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu and Cd have occurred. The content of Fe was about 40% lower in the present study, mainly due to cessation of flour fortification. The content of Se was about 30% higher. The content of Pb was about 50% lower, probably due to the elimination of Pb from petrol and other measures taken to reduce Pb emissions in Sweden. The average content of essential mineral elements in the Swedish diet was close to or above daily recommended intakes for adults, except for Mg and Fe. The average Pb and Cd content corresponds to 3% and 17% of the JECFA PTWI, respectively. The content of Cd corresponds to 47% of the new TWI established by EFSA in 2009.     

Determination and Maternal Transfer of Heavy Metals (Cd,Cu, Zn,Pb and Hg) in the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) from a Nesting Colony of Qeshm Island,Iran

This study was conducted to determine trace metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Hg) in blood and three egg fractions from Eretmochelys imbricata nesting on Qeshm Island in Iran. The results showed detectable levels of all analytes in all fractions. Pb and Hg were detectable in the blood and eggs, reflecting a maternal transfer. With the exception of Cu and Pb, analyzed elements in eggs were concentrated in yolk. Only Zn in blood had a significant correlation with the body size and weight (p < 0.01). It appears that Hawksbill sea turtles can regulate Zn concentrations through homeostatic processes to balance metabolic requirements. The relatively low concentrations of metals in blood support the knowledge that E. imbricata feed mainly on the low trophic levels. All essential and non-essential elements were detectable in blood and in eggs of the hawksbill, reflecting a maternal transfer. Consequently, movement patterns, home ranges of foraging grounds, and availability of food could explain variations in trace element concentrations among female turtles.     

Combined Amendments of Nano-hydroxyapatite Immobilized Cadmium in Contaminated Soil-Potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum</Emphasis> L.) System

The toxicity of cadmium (Cd) has posed major public health concern in crops grown in the Cd-contaminated soils. The effects of five amendments, nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) and it combined with lime, zeolite, bone mill and fly ash on Cd immobilization in soils and uptake in potatoes, were investigated in a contaminated soil by pot experiments. The result showed that the applications of combined amendments significantly decreased the bioavailable Cd concentrations extracted by TCLP, DTPA–TEA and MgCl₂ in the contaminated soils, and changed the soluble and exchangeable and specifically sorbed fractions to oxide-bound and organic-bound fractions. Compared to the control group, the concentrations of Cd in the potato tubers grown in n-HA, n-HA?+?Fly ash, n-HA?+?Lime, n-HA?+?Bone mill and n-HA?+?Zeolite soil were reduced 17.4%, 20.7%, 15.2%, 32.6% and 39.1%, respectively. Nano-hydroxyapatite combined amendments was more effective in reducing bioavailable Cd concentrations and Cd accumulations in potatoes, especially for n-HA?+?Z.     

Determination and health risk assessment of heavy metals in imported rice bran oil in Iran

In this current study, the contents of heavy metals including Pb, As, Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Mn in imported rice bran oil in Iran were investigated with microwave digestion method based on an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry system (ICP-OES). The concentrations range of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Zn, and Cu in rice bran oil samples were measured as 0.066–0.30, 0.008–0.014, 0.005–0.01, 0.047–0.01, 0.025–0.74 and 0.01–0.096 μg/g, respectively. A significant difference (p-value < 0.05) in the mean concentration of Pb in imported rice bran oils samples was observed. The sum of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for heavy metals for children and adults were 2.6 × 10⁻⁴ and 2.4 × 10⁻⁵, respectively, which an acceptable level proposed values (10⁻⁴–10⁻⁶) by U.S. EPA. Moreover, the target hazard quotients (THQs) of As, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Zn for children were limited to between 1.17 × 10^-5 and 9.49 × 10⁻⁹, and in adults were limited to 2.33 × 10⁻⁷and 6.82 × 10^-7, which were lower than the acceptable limit (THQ < 1). There have been concerns regarding heavy metals since past up to now in all foodstuffs. We demonstrated in this study that there are traceable concentrations of heavy metals in six brand of rice bran oils.     

Levels of Cd, Pb, As, Hg, and Se in Hair of Residents Living in Villages Around Fenghuang Polymetallic Mine, Southwestern China

Heavy metal levels in hair of residents living in villages around Fenghuang mine were investigated. Samples belonging to mine areas showed the highest values, with mean concentrations (mg kg⁻¹) of 0.17 for Cd, 8.67 for Pb, 0.11 for As, 2.19 for Hg, and 0.64 for Se. Significant correlations (p < 0.01) were found between Cd–Pb, Cd–As, Pb–As, and Se–Hg. There is no significant difference in any of the elements among age groups. However, significant differences in Cd and Pb levels were found between genders. Results revealed that children and females were more susceptible to Cd and Pb exposure.     

Mercury and Cadmium Contamination of Irrigation Water,Sediment, Soil and Shallow Groundwater in a Wastewater-Irrigated Field in Tianjin,China

We investigated the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb and As in samples of irrigation water, sediment, soil and groundwater from a field in Tianjin that was irrigated with wastewater. The results showed that the concentrations (Hg, 0.82 μg/L; Cd, 0.18 μg/L; Pb, 1.5 μg/L; As, 8.02 μg/L) in the irrigation water did not exceed the China Surface Water Quality Standard or the maximum concentrations in irrigation water recommended by the FAO. The concentrations of metals in the groundwater of wells (Hg, 0.016 μg/L; Cd, 0.128 μg/L; Pb, 0.25 μg/L; As, 4.65 μg/L) were lower than China Groundwater Quality Standard and the WHO guideline values for drinking water. The groundwater had not yet been contaminated through vertical infiltration-induced leaching. However, a substantial buildup of Hg and Cd in river sediments (I _geo for Hg and Cd; 5.24 and 3.04, respectively) and wastewater-irrigated soils (I _geo for Hg and Cd; 2.50 and 3.09, respectively) was observed. Taken together, these results indicated that irrigation with wastewater damaged the soil quality over the long term and that metals more easily accumulated in vegetable fields than rice fields.     

Assessment of lead, cadmium, and zinc contamination of roadside soils, surface films, and vegetables in Kampala City, Uganda

The relationship between traffic density and trace metal concentrations in roadside soils, surface films, and a selected vegetable weed, Amaranthus dubius Mart. Ex Thell., was determined in 11 farming sites along major highways around Kampala City in Uganda. Surface soil, atmospherically deposited surface films on windows, and leaves of Amaranthus dubius were sampled at known distances from the roads and analyzed for lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Atmospherically deposited trace metal particulates were sampled using window glass as an inert, passive collector. Total trace metal concentrations in soils ranged from 30.0+/-2.3 to 64.6+/-11.7 mg/kg Pb, 78.4+/-18.4 to 265.6+/-63.2 mg/kg Zn, and 0.8+/-0.13 to 1.40+/-0.16 mg/kg Cd. Total trace metal levels in soil decreased rapidly with distance from the road. Total Pb decreased with distance up to 30 m from the road, where it reached a background soil concentration of 28 mg/kg dry weight. The study found background values of 50 and 1.4 mg/kg for Zn and Cd in roadside soils, respectively. Similarly, Pb concentration in Amaranthus dubius leaves decreased with increasing distance from the road edge. The dominant pathway for Pb contamination was from atmospheric deposition, which was consistent with Pb concentrations in surface films. The mean Pb concentrations in leaves of roadside crops were higher than those in their respective roots, with the highest leaf-to-root ratio observed in the Brassica oleraceae acephala group. The lowest Pb and Zn concentrations were found in the fruit compared to the leaves of the same crops. Leaves of roadside vegetables were therefore considered a potential source of heavy metal contamination to farmers and consumers in urban areas. It is recommended that leafy vegetables should be grown 30 m from roads in high-traffic, urban areas.     

Element differences and evaluation of the dietary intake from farmed oysters and mussels collected at different sites along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea

Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and toxic metals As, Cd, Hg and Pb were determined in oysters and mussels collected at farming sites in the northern, central and south Adriatic Sea. Mean concentrations in oysters were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.51, Ca 1551, Cd 1.44, Cu 53.6, Cr 0.23, Fe 45.9, Hg 0.047, K 2476, Mg 895, Mn 2.80, Na 7148, Pb 0.52, Zn 675. Mean values in mussels were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.71, Ca 601, Cd 0.37, Cu 1.91, Cr 0.29, Fe 49.6, Hg 0.026, K 2246, Mg 1043, Mn 2.49, Na 7992, Pb 0.58, Zn 28.8. Significant differences in the concentrations of toxic metals and elements were found in oysters and mussels among farming sites. Obtained Cd, Hg and Pb concentration in oysters and mussels were lower than the limit levels set by the European Community. However, Cd concentration exceeded the limit level of 1 mg kg⁻¹ in oysters from all locations except Lim Bay. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicate that oysters are a good source of Ca, Cu and Zn. The higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the toxicity reference values suggest a risk for consumers if larger quantities of oysters are consumed frequently.     

Monitoring of MON810 genetically modified maize in foods in Brazil from 2005 to 2007

Regulations for the use and labeling of genetically modified (GM) products and derived ingredients were implemented in Brazil in 2003. In 2008, GM maize line MON810 was approved for commercialization in Brazil; nevertheless, maize Bt11, Bt176 and MON810 were found in Brazilian market products sold in 2000 and 2001. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was employed to monitor the presence of MON810 in 81 maize-derived products (maize flour, corn meal, maize flour flakes and polenta) that are sold in Brazilian markets from 2005 to 2007, after the implementation of genetically modified organism (GMO) labeling regulation. The sensitivity of nested PCR for MON810 detection was 0.1%. CTAB protocol was suitable for the extraction of amplifiable maize DNA from maize flour, corn meal, maize flour flakes, and polenta. MON810 GM maize line was not detected by specific nested PCR in 81 samples of maize-derived food sold in Brazil from 2005 to 2007. This paper reports data concerning the detection of GM maize after publishing Brazilian regulations that stipulate directions for using and labeling of foods and ingredients containing GMOs.     

Lead,Zinc, and Cadmium in Vegetable/Crops in a Zinc Smelting Region and its Potential Human Toxicity

Lead, Zn, and Cd in vegetables/crops were investigated in a zinc smelting region in China, and their daily dietary intake by local residents was estimated. It is observed that Pb, Zn, and Cd were in 34.7–91.1, 242–575, and 0.199–2.23 μg g⁻¹ dry weight in vegetables/crops with their greatest concentrations in leafy vegetable. The daily dietary intake of Pb, Zn, and Cd by adult residents reached 3, 646, 59,295, and 186 μg day, respectively, and lettuce and cabbage together contributed 75% of the Pb, 50% of the Zn, and 70% of the Cd.     

Element content and daily intake from dietary supplements (nutraceuticals) based on algae,garlic, yeast fish and krill oils—Should consumers be worried?

The element content of sixty seven food supplements falling into five different categories was determined with an Agilent 8800 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS and the maximum daily intake calculated. The determined elements were: Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, V, Cr, Mn, Fe Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Se, I, Br, B, Al, As, Cd, Sb and Pb. The majority of supplements contained significantly less essential elements than the recommended daily intake. Exceptions were two algae based products leading to a very high iron intake. The use of 3 other algae based products would result in increased iodine intake. Of the non-essential elements determined the intake of inorganic arsenic from all supplements was below the limit set by ANSI 173, but several algae based and one garlic based supplement contained levels of inorganic arsenic above the limit set in China for food supplements. Generally garlic, fish oil and krill oil based products pose little risk of inadvertent increased intake of essential and non-essential elements. Algae based products can lead to intakes above the recommended limits for specific elements and generally contain higher amounts of all elements. None of the tested food supplements poses a direct risk to healthy adults.     

Nonessential Metals in Striped Marlin and Indo-Pacific Sailfish in the Southeast Gulf of California, Mexico: Concentration and Assessment of Human Health Risk

Seventeen sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus; 166–246 cm long) and 13 striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax; 159–254 cm long) specimens from the southern Gulf of California were analyzed for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb concentrations. More than 20% of the As and Cd levels exceeded the guideline levels of the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the European Union. About 65–90% of the specimens exceeded the limit value for Hg. Pb levels in billfish were significantly lower than guideline values. The intakes of As and Cd through billfish consumption by the population represented 20–40% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values as recommended by the WHO. Levels of Hg exceeded the PTWI value. Pb intake represented <5% of the PTWI through these species in all age and gender groups. The target hazard quotients (THQs) for Cd and Pb were <1 in each group of interest. In contrast, THQ values based on As and Hg showed large variations, with the highest values for children, then pregnant women, and, finally, adults. Values of THQ >1 indicate risk for As and Hg; the risk from As was estimated assuming that 20% of the total As was inorganic. These metals can affect the nervous system and intellectual and physical development of unborn children and infants. A national moratorium on billfish consumption in México is recommended for children (0–6 years old), pregnant women, and women planning pregnancy.