Emerging contaminants in consumer products: Environmental fate and transfer to human food-chain

Abstract

A wide range of compounds originating from everyday products with beneficial qualities for humans are transferred to the environment and potentially to the animal- and human food-chain. Many of these compounds are emerging contaminants that are perceived or with real human and environment health hazard. Herein, we have evaluated the sources and fate of selected emerging organic contaminants in human food items. In addition, we also investigated the distribution patterns in water- and particle phases, calculated concentration level in human food items based on bioaccumulation factors for fish and plant species, together with reported or estimated environmental concentrations for these emerging contaminants. Overall, given the general knowledge gap on risk assessment and food safety concerns for these emerging contaminants, the present study provides significant insights and information for evaluating the potential health hazards of these chemicals. © 2011 WIT Press.