IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v4i1e10572 10.2196/10572 Abstract Abstract Estimation of Heavy Metals in Branded and Local Snacks in the Markets of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Khader Yousef Ur Rehman Khalil Kashif Mehsood N Faisal M Corresponding Author: Kashif Ur Rehman Khalil dr.kashif.khalil@gmail.com Jan-Dec2018 29 03 2018 4 1 e10572 29 3 2018 29 3 2018 ©Kashif Ur Rehman Khalil, N Mehsood, M Faisal. Originally published in Iproceedings (http://www.iproc.org), 29.03.2018. 2018

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 Background

Heavy metals in food is emerging public health problem. They are defined as elements that have high atomic weight as compared to water and a minimum density of 5 times greater than that of water. They are of concern because of their adverse effects on individual health.

 Objective

To estimate the concentration of heavy metals (Lead, cadmium, Chromium and copper) in branded and non-branded (local) snacks in the markets of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

 Methods

A total of 96 different samples of potato and corn snacks were selected from four towns of district Peshawar by convenient sampling technique. All samples were subjected to wet digestion using acid digestion technique and Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and copper were quantitatively detected, using Atomic Absorption spectrometer in the Public Health laboratory Khyber Medical College Peshawar.

 Results

Mean concentration of Lead, cadmium, chromium and copper in potato based branded snacks were in the range of 0.085-0.423mg/kg, 0.003-0.046 mg/kg, 2.186-2.328 mg/kg and 0.008-0.108 mg/kg and concentration of heavy metals in corn based branded snacks were in range of 0.240-0.351 mg/kg, 0.007-0.012mg/kg, 2.254-2.179 mg/kg, 0.030-0.082 mg/kg, respectively. While mean concentration of Lead, cadmium, chromium and copper in non-branded (local) snacks were 0.057-0.324 mg/kg, 0.005-0.012 mg/kg, 2.137-2.247 mg/kg and 0.018-0.06 mg/kg, respectively.

 Conclusions

Chromium were exceeding in majority samples of branded and local snacks.