Objective: Concentrations of the essential element zinc and potentially toxic element lead in different processed and raw milk samples.
Methods: The samples of raw milk, collected from different milk venders, while famous processed milk brands were digested by trichloroacetic acid extraction method and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry.
Results: The average concentration of lead in raw milk ranges from 0.08 to 0.14 ppm and in processed milk its average value is 0.13 ppm, which is higher than the recommended tolerable limit of 0.025 ppm. The zinc contents, both in the processed milk and raw milk ranged from 0.2258 to 0.6569 ppm, the values which are higher than the specified limit.
Conclusion: The raw or fresh milk, that the inhabitants of twin cities are consuming, is higher in lead levels and is unsafe for infants but safe for an adult. Zinc contents in raw or processed milk meets the specified limits. (Rawal Med J 2005;30:76-78).
Key words: Toxicity, lead, zinc, food, milk.
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