Health risk assessment for peri-urban grown food crops in Kibra slum Kenya

Title : Health risk assessment for peri-urban grown food crops in Kibra slum Kenya

Abstract:

Peri-urban farming in Kibra slum, Nairobi is observed to use contaminated water or growing food crops alongside contaminated water sources. The alarming levels above the European Union limits for elements in kales, amaranthus, arrowroots and spinach from the area have been reported as a concern to human health. The daily intake of metals (DIM), Target hazard quotient (THQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) were employed as indices for health risk assessment for selected essential (Mn, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn and Al) and non-essential(Cr and Pb) elements of food crops grown in Kibra slum. A randomized block design was used to obtain samples of arrowroots, amaranthus, kales and spinach from six farms. Analysis of the elements was done using AAS. While only Cr and Pb in the foods were above the EU limits, the DIM of Fe and Mn and THQ for Mn and Fe implied health risk according to FAO/WHO. Consequently the ILCR index for Pb showed 0.043% of Kibra slum populations were likely to develop cancer in a lifetime.

Biography:

Dr Nawiri Mildred is a female analytical chemist, senior lecturer, mentor, and Director of University Industry Partnerships- Kenyatta University, Kenya. Her expertise is in food analysis with passion to improve health of children and general public in developing countries facing challenges from non-communicable diseases and malnutrition. She has 10 years’ research experience, more than 20 publications and attended numerous local and international conferences. She embraces networking and collaborations and is focused to seek long term solutions through shelf products of vital carotenoids from available indigenous species of fruits and vegetables. She aspires to be a visionary leader that embraces entrepreneurship.