Health Risk Assessment due to Some Potentially Toxic Elements in Sepiolite Mineral

Abstract

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can cause several health problems. Sepiolite is a clay mineral containing hydrated magnesium silicate and widely utilized in agriculture, food, detergent, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, paint, paper, fertilizer, construction, etc. The aim of this study is to assess the health risks that may arise from some PTEs present in the sepiolite mineral contained in the products we use in our daily lives. For this purpose, first of all, some PTEs contained in the sepiolite mineral were analyzed by EDXRF technique, and then non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were estimated based on the analysis results. According to the average concentration (mg/kg), PTEs analyzed in sepiolite samples were ordered as Al (5457) > Fe (3832) > Ti (361) > Mn (65) > V (42) > Zr (25) > Ni (24) > Cr (16) > Zn (12) > Co (9) > Cu (8) > As (5) > Pb (5) > Cd (4). The values of hazard quotient and hazard index estimated for non-carcinogenic risk and the incremental lifetime cancer risk and cancer risk index estimated for carcinogenic risk caused by PTEs in sepiolite samples were within the acceptable limit and the safe range except for the Beylikova quarry.