Assessment of Lead and cadmium contamination and influencing factors in raw milk from regions of Hamadan province

Regarding the significance of harmful effects of heavy metals in human diet, this study aimed to investigate the concentrations of lead and cadmium in raw milk samples. To achieve this goal, a total number of 48 samples was collected from various regions of Hamadan province during April 2011. The samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. According to the results, the mean concentrations of lead and cadmium estimated at 4.48 and 3.21µg/kg, respectively which were below the approved level determined by WHO as well as FAO. Although, concentrations of Pb and Cd among the various sampling regions revealed a significant (p<0.01) difference, a correlation was not observed between heavy metal concentrations and influencing factors such as density of cars, industrial plants as well as human populations in each region. Results showed that Pb and Cd concentrations were higher in the area where metal mines were located. It seems that the elements could enter the animal’s body via the contaminated feed and water. Due to the importance of this issue, complementary investigations are necessary.