Probabilistic health risk assessment of primary aromatic amines in polyamide cooking utensils in China by Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract

The migration of primary aromatic amines (PAAs) from food contact materials raises significant public health concerns. In this study, the migration levels of 26 PAAs were analyzed in 242 nylon cooking utensils using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 18 PAAs were detected, of which 14 were quantified, with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (4,4′-MDA) and aniline being the most prevalent ones. The compliance rates for nylon kitchenware were similar under both legislation of European Commission (76.9%) and Chinese legislation (77.9%). Probabilistic non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment were conducted using Monte Carlo simulation, with read-across approach applied to fill the gap of toxicity data. The hazard quotients for 18 PAAs were calculated, revealing that 17 PAAs (excluding 4,4′-MDA) had acceptable hazard quotients (<1). Lifetime cancer risks for 17 PAAs were determined, with 15 PAAs (excluding benzidine and 4,4′-MDA) showing acceptable cancer risks (<10⁻⁴). The study suggests that the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks posed by PAAs migrating from FCMs can be effectively mitigated by promptly identifying non-compliant products and reducing exposure to high-risk PAAs such as 4,4′-MDA and benzidine. Enhancing the understanding of PAA hazard characterization and implementing measures to minimize health risks associated with PAA migration from FCMs is hence recommended.