Risk assessment of rare earth elements, antimony, barium, boron, lithium, tellurium, thallium and vanadium in teas

Abstract

In recent years, a great intensification in the use of various elements especially in modern technologycan be observed. However, the anthropogenic activities, including industrialisation, urbanisation orintensive agriculture, have led to the release of many of the elements into the environment. Theconsequence of the accumulation of the elements both in soil and water systems is their presence inthe food chain. Inhalation and consumption of the contaminated food and beverages have beenindicated as the main pathways of the exposure to many elements. Due to the fact, that tea isconsidered the second most popular beverage worldwide and its consumption is constantly increasing,it is crucial to evaluate the safety of the product, especially for toxic elements contamination. Thus,the aim of the project was to evaluate the contamination levels of rare earth elements (REEs) includinglanthanides, scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y) and also antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), boron (B), lithium(Li), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl) and vanadium (V) in teas. Subsequently, the risk assessment wascarried out. Additionally, the Fellowship provided hands-on training on the evaluation of applications ofnew biocides and participation in the science-based advises given to the Danish Food and VeterinaryAdministration, Danish Environment Protection Agency and Danish Medical Agency.