Heavy Metals Contamination Awareness Among Leafy Vegetables Consumers in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

The toxicity and accumulation behaviour of heavy metals (HMs) make them a potential danger not only to plants but also to humans.  Heavy metals can have their way into humans through the consumption of contaminated foods. Understanding public perception of HM  contamination will guide the concerned authorities in curtailing the risks associated with their consumption in foods. The research aim to  assess the level of consumers' awareness of the presence of heavy metals (HMs) in commonly consumed leafy vegetables (amaranth,  lettuce and cabbage) in Kano and the dangers associated with the consumption of HM-contaminated leafy vegetables. Data was  gathered through oral interviews; 86 leafy vegetable habitual consumers were interviewed in the Kano metropolis. Information gathered  includes demography of the respondents, vegetable sources, HM contamination awareness in irrigation water and vegetables, awareness  of dangers associated with the consumption of HM-contaminated vegetables, awareness of possible contamination from  other foods and activities that can worsen HM-related health problems in humans. The results revealed that over 91 % of the respondents  consume all three types of vegetables (amaranth, lettuce and cabbage). The level of HMs contamination awareness among vegetable consumers in Kano is poor, the possibility of having HMs contamination in vegetables is known by only 23.26 % and only 5.58 %  know that HMs contamination can cause health problems such as kidney failure and cancers. Education level does not influence the  consumers' awareness of vegetable-heavy metal contamination.