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Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 15002

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Dr. Martin David Rose

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Jorvik Food and Environmental Chemical Safety Ltd. (JFECS), York YO32 5YL, UK
Interests: food chemical safety/regulation; food science; environmental sciences; environmental contaminants (dioxins, PCBs, flame retardants, POPs); dietary exposure; risk assessment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue has a focus on trace chemicals that can be found in foods that have been associated with adverse health effects. The most concerning chemicals from a health protection perspective tend to fall into three broad categories: (i) residues of chemicals used in food production, such as veterinary medicines used to rear farm animals and pesticides used to protect plants used for food; (ii) contaminants that may arise either as a result of industrial pollution or can arise due to natural contamination; and (iii) contaminants that arise as a result of food processing.

To assess the risk to health from food chemicals, it is necessary to (i) make an estimate of exposure and (ii) characterize the hazard.

The surveillance of occurrence in foods (and feeds in case of animal risk assessment) and dietary intake estimates are required to estimate the exposure for these chemicals, and can inform priorities for food control and risk management. Exposure estimates may be performed for the general population or specific population groups, e.g., defined by age, dietary preference or on a geographical basis of either the population or area of food production.

Toxicological studies using conventional animal studies, new approach methodologies (NAMs) or epidemiological studies looking at health outcomes in exposed population groups can be used to characterize the hazard.

This Special Issue aims to collect papers that (i) describe surveys of food products for residues and contaminants, (ii) dietary exposure estimates for consumers, and (iii) toxicological and epidemiology studies. The papers can cover established food chemicals or food chemicals that are of emerging concern. Papers that cover the wider risk assessment process and public health and control measures for food chemicals are also welcome for submission to this Special Issue.

Topics that are suitable for this issue include food surveys, dietary exposure estimates toxicological studies, epidemiology studies and risk assessment for the following:

Residues of veterinary medicines;
Residues of pesticides;
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs);
Dioxins and PCBs;
Flame retardants;
Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs);
Heavy metals and arsenic;
Mycotoxins;
Shellfish toxins;
Acrylamide;
3‐monochloropropane diol (3‐MCPD);
Furan;
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs);
Food contact materials;
Other food chemicals.

Dr. Martin David Rose
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

residues
chemical contaminants
risk assessment
consumer exposure
dietary intake
toxicology
new approach methodologies (NAMs)
epidemiology
food control

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

17 pages, 1145 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Risk of Neonicotinoids and Other Pesticides in Mexican Children Residing in Agroindustrial Zones

by Irma Aidé García Villegas, Silvia Lizette Ramos de Robles and Claudia Alvarado Osuna

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(8), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23081009 - 1 Aug 2026

Viewed by 262

Abstract

Dietary pesticide exposure is a growing public health concern, particularly for children in agricultural regions. This study assessed the occurrence and concentration of neonicotinoids and other pesticide residues in foods frequently consumed by preschool children (4–5 years) in an agroindustrial zone of Jalisco, Mexico, and estimated their weekly dietary exposure (DE). Thirty-one food samples representing 18 items were collected from retail sites identified through seven-day dietary records completed by 23 families. Samples were analyzed by LC/ESI-MS/MS covering 236 compounds; exposure was estimated considering raw and cooked consumption patterns and processing factors. Residues were detected in 87% of samples, yielding 34 distinct compounds, including 5 neonicotinoids; imidacloprid was the most frequently detected. Strawberry, raspberry, apple, grape, and tomato showed the highest residue loads; seven samples exceeded MRLs set by the EU, USA, or Mexico. Raw food consumption accounted for 96% of total estimated exposure, with pyrimethanil, boscalid, propamocarb, and imidacloprid as principal contributors. These findings confirm that children in this population face repeated, simultaneous exposure to multiple pesticides through diet, underscoring the need for stronger food safety monitoring, harmonized regulatory limits, and cumulative risk assessment frameworks for vulnerable populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues)

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17 pages, 830 KB

Open AccessArticle

Estimated Dietary Lead Exposure Through Aquatic Animal Consumption and Health Symptoms in a Lake-Dependent Community: Evidence from Nong Han Lake, Northeast Thailand

by Birabongse Hardthakwong, Kulthida Y. Kopolrat, Panchamapohn Rattanahon, Sribud Srichaijaroonpong, Piyapong Chaiyasarn, Narita Fakkaew, Nutta Taneepanichskul and Ratanee Kammoolkon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(7), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23070899 - 12 Jul 2026

Viewed by 389

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a persistent environmental contaminant and a major public health concern. This cross-sectional study investigated self-reported health symptoms and estimated dietary Pb exposure from aquatic animal consumption among residents living around Nong Han Lake, Thailand. Sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviors, and health symptoms were collected using a structured questionnaire. Pb concentrations were measured in three commonly consumed aquatic species, and species-specific estimated dietary Pb intake (EDI) was calculated from Pb concentrations and reported consumption patterns. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with symptom reporting. Pb concentrations in all aquatic species were below the permissible limit (0.3 mg/kg wet weight). Median EDI was 0.1004 µg/kg bw/day (IQR: 0.0645–0.1785). Musculoskeletal pain (79.73%) and joint and muscle pain (71.62%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. This study found that female sex (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.099–6.249; p = 0.030), a lack of lead hazard training (aOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.373–8.418; p = 0.008), consumption of more than 300 g of aquatic animals per meal (aOR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.230–4.960; p = 0.011), and long-term consumption exceeding 30 years (aOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.065–4.398; p = 0.033) were each independently associated with symptom reporting. Estimated dietary Pb intake (EDI) was not significantly associated with symptoms after multivariable adjustment (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.657–2.578; p = 0.450). These findings suggest that consuming large portions of aquatic animals, consuming aquatic animals over prolonged periods, and having limited awareness of lead-related hazards are potential pathways for dietary Pb exposure in this lake-dependent community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues)

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19 pages, 4076 KB

Open AccessArticle

Through the Eye: Retinal Changes of Prenatal Mercury Exposure in Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada

by Véronique Small, Aline Philibert, Annie Chatillon, Judy Da Silva, Myriam Fillion, Donna Mergler and Benoit Tousignant

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010001 - 19 Dec 2025

Viewed by 2057

Abstract

Since the 1960s, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada, has been exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) from fish consumption following Hg discharge from a chloralkali plant. Prenatal exposure to MeHg is known to affect the neurodevelopment of fetuses and the retina is sensitive to neurodevelopmental damage. The multidisciplinary, cross-sectional Niibin study, developed with Grassy Narrows First Nations, included visual examinations with retinal evaluation using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The present analyses focused on the 59 participants (116 eyes) with umbilical cord Hg measurements, sampled between 1971 and 1992. Associations between cord blood Hg and retinal thickness layers surrounding the optic nerve head (RNFL) and inner macula (GC-IPL) were examined using mixed-effect models. Higher cord blood Hg was significantly associated with reduced thickness of GC-IPL layers across all macular sectors; less pronounced associations were observed for RNFL. A qualitative clinical assessment of the OCT results showed that persons with cord blood Hg concentrations ≥ 5.8 µg/L were more likely to present bilateral abnormal retinal thinning (OR = 3.51; [95% CI: 1.06–11.53]). These findings suggest that, in this Indigenous community, prenatal MeHg exposure may have enduring effects on retinal thickness and underline the importance of OCT technology in providing tailored eye care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues)

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14 pages, 336 KB

Open AccessArticle

Testing the Development of a Diet-Based Bisphenol a Score to Facilitate Studies on Child Neurodevelopment: A Pilot Project

by Marisa A. Patti, Apollo Kivumbi, Juliette Rando, Ashley Song, Lisa A. Croen, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Heather E. Volk and Kristen Lyall

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081174 - 25 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2211

Abstract

While gestational Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been associated with autism, limited work has focused on dietary sources. Here, we sought to develop a summary metric to capture dietary exposure specifically and test its associations with measured levels, as well as child traits related to autism. Participants (n = 116) were from the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) Study, which recruited pregnant women who previously had a child diagnosed with autism. Maternal concentrations of BPA were quantified in urine, and dietary sources of BPA were ascertained via food frequency questionnaires during gestation. A novel BPA “dietary burden score” was developed based on reported intake of foods known to contribute to BPA exposure (i.e., canned foods) from a Dietary History Questionnaire modified for pregnancy. Child autism-related traits were assessed via the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2). We examined associations between BPA biomarkers, dietary burden scores, and child SRS scores. Dietary burden scores were weakly correlated with urinary BPA concentrations (R = 0.19, p = 0.05) but were not associated with child SRS scores. Our work suggests that more detailed dietary assessments may be needed to fully capture diet-based BPA exposures and address diet as a modifiable source of chemical exposure to reduce associated health impacts of BPA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues)

Review

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29 pages, 904 KB

Open AccessReview

Risks Associated with Dietary Exposure to Contaminants from Foods Obtained from Marine and Fresh Water, Including Aquaculture

by Martin Rose

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010085 - 7 Jan 2026

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2987

Abstract

Aquatic environments have been a critical source of nutrition for millennia, with wild fisheries supplying protein and nutrients to populations worldwide. A notable shift has occurred in recent decades with the expansion of aquaculture, now representing a fast-growing sector in food production. Aquaculture plays a key role in mitigating the depletion of wild fish stocks and addressing issues related to overfishing. Despite its potential benefits, the sustainability of both wild and farmed aquatic food systems is challenged by anthropogenic pollution. Contaminants from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and domestic effluents enter freshwater systems and eventually reach marine environments, where they may be transported globally through ocean currents. Maintaining water quality is paramount to food safety, environmental integrity, and long-term food security. In addition to conventional seafood products such as fish and shellfish, foods such as those derived from microalgae are gaining attention in Western markets for their high nutritional value and potential functional properties. These organisms have been consumed in Asia for generations and are now being explored as sustainable foods and ingredients as an alternative source of protein. Contaminants in aquatic food products include residues of agrochemicals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as well as brominated flame retardants and heavy metals. Public and scientific attention has intensified around plastic pollution, particularly microplastics and nanoplastics, which are increasingly detected in aquatic organisms and are the subject of ongoing toxicological and ecological risk assessments. While the presence of these hazards necessitates robust risk assessment and regulatory oversight, it is important to balance these concerns against the health benefits of aquatic foods, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins, and trace elements. Furthermore, beyond direct human health implications, the environmental impact of pollutant sources must be addressed through integrated management approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and the food systems they support. This review covers regulatory frameworks, risk assessments, and management issues relating to aquatic environments, including the impact of climate change. It aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, food businesses who harvest food from aquatic systems and other stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues)

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20 pages, 512 KB

Open AccessReview

Potential Role of Glyphosate, Glyphosate-Based Herbicides, and AMPA in Breast Cancer Development: A Review of Human and Human Cell-Based Studies

by Hannah M. Schluter, Hajar Bariami and Hannah Lui Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081087 - 17 Aug 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5189

Abstract

The potential connection between exposure to glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) and breast cancer risk is a topic of research that is rapidly gaining the public’s attention due to the conflicting reports surrounding glyphosate’s potential carcinogenicity. In this review, we synthesize the current published biomedical literature works that have explored associations of glyphosate, its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and GBHs with breast cancer risk in humans and human cell-based models. Using PubMed as our search engine, we identified a total of 14 articles that were included in this review. In the four human studies, urinary glyphosate and/or AMPA were associated with breast cancer risk, endocrine disruption, oxidative stress biomarkers, and changes in DNA methylation patterns. Among most of the 10 human cell-based studies, glyphosate exhibited endocrine disruption, induced altered gene expression, increased DNA damage, and altered cell viability, while GBHs were more cytotoxic than glyphosate alone. In summary, numerous studies have shown glyphosate, AMPA, and GBHs to have potential carcinogenic, cytotoxic, or endocrine-disruptive properties. However, more human studies need to be conducted in order for more definitive and supported conclusions to be made on their potential effects on breast cancer risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues)

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Other

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22 pages, 857 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Exposure and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

by Joel J. Gagnier and John P. O’Connor

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(8), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23081000 - 30 Jul 2026

Viewed by 251

Abstract

Glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used agricultural chemicals. Concerns regarding carcinogenicity, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), persist. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better evaluate glyphosate exposure and NHL risk. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for eligible cohort, case–control, and pooled studies. Risk of bias was assessed using recommended criteria. Random- and fixed-effects meta-analyses were performed, with sensitivity analyses addressing overlapping cohorts, hazard ratio inclusion, exposure definitions, and model overfitting. Evidence certainty was graded using GRADE. Ten primary datasets were analyzed. Ever-exposure was associated with an odds ratio of 1.11. Highest-exposure analyses demonstrated a significant association with NHL. Ever-exposure associations were modest, whereas a higher glyphosate exposure was consistently associated with an increased NHL risk. The findings were robust across sensitivity analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impacts Associated with Dietary Exposure to Chemical Contaminants and Residues)

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