Integration of probabilistic exposure assessment and risk characterization for perchlorate in infant formula and supplementary food

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology 2022-10, Vol.168, p.113347-113347, Article 113347
• Main Authors: Liu, Xin, Han, Hui, Xu, Hao, Zhang, Hu, Fang, Min, Wang, Qiao, Li, Jingguang, Wu, Yongning, Gong, Zhiyong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Infant food; Perchlorate; Probabilistic exposure; Risk assessment
• ISSN: 0278-6915; 1873-6351
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113347

Infants are the primary susceptible population to perchlorate exposure-related adverse health effects, while information on their dietary intake of perchlorate via infant food remains limited. This study determined perchlorate in six categories of baby food commodities commonly consumed by 0–36 months infants. A probabilistic approach with Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate perchlorate's daily intake (EDI) considering uncertainty and variability. Results showed that the average perchlorate concentration in infant food ranged from 3.42 to 22.26 μg/kg. The mean (SD) EDIs of perchlorate were 0.42(0.20), 0.62(0.20), and 0.46(0.14) μg/kg-bw/day for 0–6, 7–12, and 13-36-months infants, respectively. Infant formula was the major contributor (34%–74%) to EDIs of perchlorate in all age groups. Probabilistic risk characterization showed the cumulative probability of EDIs exceeding the RfD (0.70 μg/kg-bw/day) were 6.5%, 37.9%, and 4.5% for 0–6, 7–12, and 13-36-months infants, respectively. The cumulative risk of perchlorate exposure from different infant food intake should be noted. [Display omitted] •145 infant foods of 6 categories were analyzed for perchlorate contamination.•Probabilistic exposure of perchlorate was performed for 0–36 months infants.•The infants aged 7–12 months have the highest daily intake of perchlorate.•Infant formula has the highest contribution to dietary daily intake of perchlorate.•Cumulative risk of perchlorate exposure via infant foods should be noted.