Heavy metals in teas and their health implications

Abstract

Since tea is a beverage that is frequently consumed among different societies, the safety of tea should be considered as a priority. One of the safety concerns in tea that can cause potential health risks to human health is heavy metals. Heavy metals commonly found in the environment contaminate the food chain. In this study, the levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) in different tea types, sources of contamination, heavy metal exposure from tea consumption, and health risk assessment were systematically examined. The study also made recommendations to reduce heavy metal exposure from tea consumption.