Assessment of heavy metal exposure via the intake of oriental medicines in Korea.
Oriental medical herbs are mainly natural products that are generated by simple processes, and therefore there is the possibility of contamination with various pollutants, including heavy metals. Heavy metals produce adverse effects in humans, and the toxicities of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are well established. This study evaluated the effects of exposure to Pb and Cd via the intake of the frequent prescriptions of oriental medicines, and assessed the risk to the Korean population based on domestic data. The average daily exposures to Pb and Cd were estimated. This is the first study to evaluate exposure and risk of heavy metal intoxication through intake of oriental medicines in Korea. Despite the uncertainties and limits of the data, these results simulate realistic exposure levels.
Kim
Hyun-Kyung
HK
Risk Assessment Division, National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea Food and Drug Administration, Seoul, Korea.
Yoon
Eun Kyung
EK
Jang
Junghoon
J
Hwang
Myungsil
M
Kim
JaYoung
J
Ha
Ji-Hye
JH
Jang
Dong Deuk
DD
Yoo
Tae Moo
TM
Park
Kui Lea
KL
D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D007854:Lead / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D008518:Medicine, East Asian Traditional; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012307:Risk Factors
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead