Evaluation of Heavy Metals Contamination of Unrefined and Refined Table Salt

Edible salt is the most used food additive worldwide. Therefore, any contamination of table salt could be considered as a health hazard to the consumers. The present study goal is to determine the levels of heavy metals in the table salt refined and unrefined. Eighty one refined salt samples and 81 unrefined salt samples were purchased from retail market in the province of Hamadan, Iran. The level of lead (Pb), cadmium Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy method. The levels of Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Fe refined salt samples were 0.852 ± 0.277, 0.229 ± 0.012, 0.054 ± 0.040, 1.25 ± 0.245 and 0.689 ± 1.58 μg/g, respectively, and also 1.22 ± 0.320, 0. 240 ± 0.018, 0.058 ± 0.007, 1.89 ± 0.218, 8.75 ± 2.10 μg/g in unrefined salt samples. In comparison to refined salts, analyzed heavy metal contents were generally at high level in unrefined salts. All values for toxic metals were lower than the permitted maximum for human consumption as prescribed by Codex Alimentarius commission.