HEALTH RISKS ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL IN PET-BOTTLE DRINKS FROM SELECTED MARKETS IN LAGOS STATE

This study focuses on the Assessment of the Health Risks of Heavy Metals in PET Bottled Drinks from Selected Markets in Lagos State, with focus on PET Bottled Drinks sampled from the Ojuwoye Market, Mushin Local Govemment Area. A random sample of PET bottled drinks were bought and collected for laboratory analysis of heavy metals. A total of thirteen widely consumed PET bottled drinks, including carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, malt drinks, and bottled water, were sampled and analyzed. Seven heavy metals were assessed in the sample PET Bottled Drinks, including; Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (Ar), Copper (Cu), Zine (Zi), and Nickel (Ni). Analysis of the Heavy metals and trace elements were done using the Agilent 5800 Inductively coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectroscopy (CP-OES) equipment and using standard laboratory procedures. Results indicated that while some metal concentrations were within permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), several samples exhibited elevated levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel. These exceedances raise significant public health concerns due to the cumulative toxic effects of these metals, especially with prolonged consumption. The findings suggest possible contamination from raw materials, processing equipment, packaging materials, or poor storage conditions. The study concludes that heavy metal contamination in some PET bottled drinks poses a potential health risk to consumers. It recommends enhanced regulatory oversight, improved manufacturing and storage practices. strengthened quality control measures, public education on beverage safety, and strieter implementation of food safety standards and packaging regulations. These measures are essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of bottled beverages in Lagos State. Keywords: Heavy metals, PET bottled drinks, health riski assessment, lead, cadmium, arsenic, Ojuwoye Market, Lagos State, food safety.