Cd, Co, Pb, Cu and Ni were analysed in 480 milk samples by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean concentrations were 0.001, 0.061, 0.014, 0.738 and 0.028 mg/kg, respectively. Mean concentration of Cd was very low, whereas Cu exceeded the maximum limits established by the Codex Alimentarius. In some areas, the Pb concentration exceeded the maximum limit as set by the Codex Alimentarius. The highest estimated daily intake (EDI) of Cu calculated for male infants (1-3 year) was 33.534 µg/kg bw/day, while the lowest EDI was recorded for Cd (0.004 µg/kg bw/day) in adult females above 16 years. The results suggested that Cu and Pb from milk in the investigated areas may pose a health risk to the consumers.
Keywords: Pakistan; cadmium; heavy metal; lead; milk.