Migration of Metals from Utensils: An Assessment Sharma Deepak Kumar1,*, Tripathy Divya2, Jain Arvind Kumar3 1Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 203201, India 2Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 203201, India 3Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 203201, India *Corresponding Author, Dr. Deepak Kumar Sharma, Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 203201, India, Email: dipakdks@gmail.com
Online Published on 12 January, 2024. Abstract Background Heavy metal toxicity has proven to be a major threat to the society. Due to prolonged exposure of metal contaminated atmosphere & food and bioaccumulation nature of metals, there are numerous health risks associated with metal toxicity. One of the significant sources of metal contamination in food is through migration of metals from the utensils. Almost all types of utensils leach out the metals and there are various factors which include processing (e.g., heating) and nature of food (e.g. acidic) which plays important role in migration. Objective Determination of migration of metals from Stainless-Steel and Brass utensils. Material and Methods Stainless-Steel and Brass utensils (Plate, Tumbler and Bowl) were purchased from the local market of Moradabad. These utensils were of medium priced. The samples were analysed as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E1613-12 & ASTM C738-11) test methods based on Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. The composition was analysed through X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Leaching stimulant (4% Acetic Acid for 24 hours) is used for extraction process. Testing was performed in an accredited (in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025: 2017) laboratory. Results There is a growing trend for use of brass utensils not only at home but outside home such as restaurant also. From this study, it has been observed that brass utensils are leaching lead in to the food which ultimately entering in to the human body. Seventy-two samples were analysed to know the migration of metals from stainless-steel and Brass utensils. Migration of metal (Lead) is observed from the brass utensils. Stainless-steel utensils are considered to be safe w.r.t. migration of metals. Top Keywords Heavy Metals contamination, Metal Toxicity, Metal Poisoning, Utensils. Top |