Consumer Health Risk Assessment of Arsenic in Meat and Liver of Small Ruminants Using Monte Carlo Simulations

Background: The monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in meat is essential due to their implications for food safety, quality, and potential human health risks. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess arsenic concentrations in ۹۶ meat and liver samples from small ruminants (sheep and goats) in Khorramabad, Iran. Methods: Arsenic levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Human health risks were evaluated through the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) indices, with uncertainty and variability incorporated via Monte Carlo simulations. Mean arsenic concentrations were statistically compared using SPSS software. Results: The mean arsenic concentration in sheep samples (۰.۲۹ mg/kg) was significantly lower than in goats (۰.۴۷ mg/kg) (p<۰.۰۵). Liver samples showed higher arsenic levels (۰.۴۷ mg/kg) than muscle tissue (۰.۳۵ mg/kg). Although arsenic was detected in most samples, concentrations remained below the European Commission’s maximum allowable limit (۰.۵ mg/kg). Health risk assessments indicated that the THQ values for both meat and liver were below ۱, suggesting no significant non-carcinogenic health risks. ILCR values were also below the acceptable threshold of ۱ × ۱۰⁻⁴, with values of ۷.۸۱ × ۱۰⁻⁵ for meat and ۳.۴۹ × ۱۰⁻⁵ for liver, indicating negligible carcinogenic risk. Conclusion: Given that As levels exceeded permissible limits in some samples, and considering that arsenic contamination in Iranian agricultural soils often originates from natural sources, atmospheric deposition, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, sewage sludge, and related inputs, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive assessment of grazing areas. Routine monitoring of water and feed, implementation of hygienic practices during slaughter, and stricter transport regulations enforced by provincial authorities are recommended to safeguard public health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Risk assessment ، Potential toxic elements ، Dietary intake