Factors influencing the toxicity of heavy metals in food

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Abstract
The level of heavy metals that man can tolerate in his diet is not simply determined. The absorption, transport, and biotransformations of cadmium, mercury, and lead by the plants and animals that are direct or indirect parts of man's food supply, and the effects these metals have upon man, depend upon many factors. Those discussed here include: influence of the form of the heavy metal on its toxicity; the capacity of several elements to modify the toxicity of heavy metals; the stage of development of the organism and its health status as it influences susceptibility to heavy metals. The provisionally tolerable weekly intake of cadmium, mercury, and lead is discussed in relation to the levels man is currently ingesting. The need for the establishment of a Standardized International Food Monitoring Network is discussed. The Food Monitoring Network would be responsible for obtaining much needed information on concentrations and forms of the heavy metals interacting in foods and would help to insure the wholesomeness of man's food supplies.

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