Heavy metals are metallic elements naturally present in the environment, but their excessive presence in the air, water, soil, and food chain poses a major threat to human and animal health. They are a central concern for industry due to their toxicity and accumulation in living organisms. Many sectors, such as food processing , cosmetics , pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection , face the need to control their presence in order to comply with the strict regulatory standards imposed by the European Union and other regulatory bodies.
YesWeLab supports manufacturers in this process by offering a wide range of specific heavy metal analyses through its network of accredited laboratories, guaranteeing reliable results that comply with regulatory requirements.
Table of Contents
What is a heavy metal?
Scientific definition of heavy metals
A heavy metal is a metallic chemical element with a density greater than 5 g/cm³. These elements are characterized by their ability to accumulate in living organisms and persist in the environment, making them particularly concerning.
Among the heavy metals most studied due to their toxicity are:
- Lead (Pb) : used in batteries, paints and some ceramics, it is neurotoxic and can cause developmental disorders in children.
- Mercury (Hg) : present in industrial waste and dental amalgams, it is highly toxic in its organic form (methylmercury) and accumulates in the food chain, particularly in fish.
- Cadmium (Cd) : originating from phosphate fertilizers and metallurgy, it accumulates in the kidneys and can lead to serious kidney diseases.
- Arsenic (As) : often present in contaminated drinking water, it is carcinogenic and can cause cardiovascular diseases.
- Nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn) : present in various industrial and cosmetic materials, they can cause allergies, irritations and metabolic disorders.
Although some heavy metals, such as copper, zinc, or iron, are essential to the body in small doses, they become toxic when present in excessive amounts.
Sources of contamination
Heavy metals are released into the environment through natural processes and human activities.
Natural springs
- Rock erosion and soil leaching, leading to the release of metals into the water.
- Volcanic activity, the main source of mercury and arsenic in the atmosphere.
- Dissolution of minerals in groundwater.
Anthropogenic sources
- Mining and metallurgical industry : extraction and refining of metals, production of alloys, galvanizing.
- Chemical and plastics industry : production of pigments, dyes, plasticizers and batteries.
- Agricultural pollution : phosphate fertilizers rich in cadmium, pesticides containing arsenic, sewage sludge used as fertilizers.
- Industrial and urban discharges : combustion of fossil fuels, incineration of waste, industrial effluents discharged into waterways.
- Everyday consumer products : cosmetics (aluminum salts, metal oxides), food packaging, electronic devices.
Industrial and agricultural activities are the main sources of heavy metal emissions into the environment. Once released, these elements do not degrade and can persist as toxic deposits in ecosystems.
Effects of heavy metals on health and the environment
Heavy metals are of particular concern due to their bioaccumulation and chronic toxicity . They enter organisms through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact and accumulate in biological tissues.
Effects on human health
- Neurotoxicity : Lead and mercury affect the central nervous system, causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, and motor disorders.
- Kidney and liver damage : Cadmium and arsenic accumulate in the liver and kidneys, leading to kidney failure and cancer.
- Cardiovascular system impairment : Chronic exposure to certain metals, such as arsenic and lead, increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
- Effects on development : In children, prolonged exposure to lead can cause growth delays, behavioral problems and a decrease in IQ.
Environmental impact
- Soil contamination : Heavy metals alter soil structure and fertility, limiting plant growth and contaminating food crops.
- Water pollution : Excessive presence in rivers and groundwater affects drinking water quality and aquatic biodiversity.
- Bioaccumulation in the food chain : Fish, crustaceans and molluscs absorb heavy metals via water and sediments, increasing the risk of contamination for consumers.
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Regulation of heavy metals in industrial products
Heavy metals are toxic substances, and their presence in consumer products is strictly regulated by international and national laws . These regulations aim to limit their concentration in food, cosmetics, packaging, and industrial emissions in order to protect public health and the environment .
Heavy metals in food: regulatory thresholds
Food contamination by heavy metals is a major food safety . These contaminants can be present in food due to environmental pollution , the use of pesticides and fertilizers , or contact with processing and packaging equipment .
To limit the risks, the European Union has implemented Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 , which sets maximum permitted levels for several heavy metals in different food categories. These thresholds are regularly updated based on available scientific data.
Recent revisions to heavy metal thresholds in food :
- Lead (EU Regulation 2021/1317):
- Liqueur wines: 0.15 mg/kg.
- Spices: from 0.6 mg/kg to 2.0 mg/kg depending on the type.
- Edible offal: from 0.1 mg/kg to 0.2 mg/kg depending on the animal species.
- Refined and unrefined salt: 1 to 2 mg/kg.
- Wild mushrooms: 0.80 mg/kg.
- Food for infants and young children: specific values according to category.
- Cadmium (EU Regulation 2021/1323):
- Limits have been lowered for most foodstuffs due to its high renal toxicity .
- Categories concerned: vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, seafood and chocolate.
- Arsenic (EC Regulation 2015/1006):
- Specific thresholds for inorganic arsenic in rice , one of the main sources of exposure.
- Mercury :
- Maximum levels set for fish and seafood, the main sources of contamination.
These limits apply to all products sold in Europe , whether produced locally or imported. They aim to reduce chronic exposure to heavy metals and prevent the risks of cancer, neurological diseases, and kidney failure .
Heavy metals in cosmetics: regulations and limits
Unlike in food, heavy metals not intentionally added to cosmetics. Their presence is generally due to impurities in raw materials (pigments, metal oxides) or contamination during manufacturing processes .
European regulations on cosmetics ( Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 ) prohibit the use of several toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury . However, minute traces may be tolerated if they are unavoidable and pose no risk to human health .
Standards and methods for quantifying heavy metals in cosmetics :
- ISO/TR 17276:2014 : international reference for the quantification of metallic impurities in cosmetics.
- European Pharmacopoeia (2.4.20) and American Pharmacopoeia USP 233 : applied to pharmaceutical products and medical cosmetics.
In France, the absence of precise regulatory thresholds for certain heavy metals makes laboratory analysis essential to guarantee the safety of products placed on the market.
Cosmetic products most affected by heavy metal contamination :
- Makeup: lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascaras , containing mineral pigments.
- Skin care: creams, lotions, serums , using natural ingredients that may be contaminated.
- Hair products: colorings and shampoos , which may contain traces of metals from the manufacturing processes.
Cosmetic brands must therefore carry out regular analyses to ensure the conformity of their products and avoid any risk of skin or systemic poisoning .
Heavy metals in the environment and packaging
Heavy metal contamination is not limited to food and cosmetics. It also affects packaging materials , wastewater, and agricultural soils , where these substances can migrate and contaminate food.
Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials in contact with food :
- Sets strict requirements to ensure that packaging does not release heavy metals into food.
- Requires manufacturers to conduct migration tests to verify the safety of plastic, metal and paper packaging.
Specific migration tests for food packaging :
- Global migration : measures the total amount of substances transferred from a material to the food.
- Specific migration : targeted analysis of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury .
In addition to packaging, the presence of heavy metals in soil, water, and air is monitored by environmental standards, such as:
- Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) : imposes thresholds for discharges of heavy metals into surface and groundwater.
- ISO 11047 standard : standardized method for analyzing heavy metal content in agricultural soils.
- Industrial emission limits set by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Industries must therefore control their heavy metal emissions in order to avoid contamination of natural resources and to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
Regulations concerning heavy metals are becoming increasingly strict , requiring manufacturers to implement rigorous analytical controls . Specialized laboratories play a key role in this process by conducting compliance tests for all relevant sectors.
Laboratory analyses to detect heavy metals
Heavy metal analysis is essential to ensure consumer safety , regulatory compliance , and quality control of raw materials and finished products . Laboratories use advanced analytical techniques to quantify these contaminants at minute levels, detect potential cross-contamination, and guarantee compliance with regulatory thresholds.
Why analyze heavy metals?
Since heavy metals are present in the environment, raw materials and processed products , it is imperative to monitor their concentration in order to anticipate health and industrial risks.
Objectives of heavy metal analyses :
- Ensuring food and cosmetic safety : avoiding the risks of chronic poisoning and allergies.
- Comply with regulations : ensure compliance with European and international standards.
- Detecting impurities in raw materials : checking the quality of ingredients before their integration into a finished product.
- Assess heavy metal migration : ensure that packaging and contact materials do not release toxic substances.
- Limiting environmental pollution : monitoring industrial discharges to prevent soil and water contamination.
These analyses make it possible to identify sources of contamination and to adopt corrective measures to reduce exposure to heavy metals in consumer products.
Analytical techniques used in the laboratory
Specialized laboratories have detection and quantification methods capable of measuring minute traces of heavy metals in complex matrices (food, cosmetics, water, packaging).
ICP-MS: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
ICP-MS ( Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry ) is the reference technique for the analysis of heavy metals due to its high sensitivity and its ability to detect extremely low concentrations ( on the order of nanograms per liter ).
Principle of ICP-MS :
- The sample is vaporized in a high-temperature plasma (10,000 °C).
- The metal atoms are ionized and analyzed by a mass spectrometer .
- Each metal is detected according to its mass/charge ratio , allowing for ultra-precise quantification.
Advantages of ICP-MS :
- Detection of heavy metals in trace amounts (0.01 mg/kg).
- Rapid multi-element analysis (multiple metals in a single analysis).
- High reliability for quality control and regulatory compliance.
ICP-OES: Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy
ICP-OES ( Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy ) is a complementary method to ICP-MS, used to quantify higher concentrations of heavy metals.
Principle of the ICP-OES :
- The sample is introduced into an ionized plasma , where it is excited at high temperature.
- Each metal emits a specific light that is detected by a spectrometer.
- The signal intensity is proportional to the concentration of the metal in the sample.
Applications of ICP-OES :
- Control of metals in water and soil .
- Analysis of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products .
- Dosage of trace elements in foods and food supplements .
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is an older method, but still used to analyze certain specific heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and mercury .
Principle of the AAS :
- The sample is atomized in a flame or graphite furnace.
- A specific beam of light passes through the sample, and its absorption is measured.
- The intensity of absorption is proportional to the concentration of the metal analyzed.
Advantages of AAS :
- Reliable method for individual heavy metal analysis .
- Less expensive than ICP-MS, but less versatile.
X-ray fluorescence and colorimetric assay
These methods are used for rapid screening analyses in packaging and cosmetic products.
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF) : allows non-destructive detection of heavy metals in solids and powders.
- Colorimetric testing : simple and quick, but less precise than other techniques.
These approaches are often used for preliminary control , before further analysis by ICP-MS or ICP-OES.
Application of the analyses to different industrial sectors
Heavy metal testing is applied to various industrial sectors to ensure the conformity of products placed on the market.
Analyses in the agri-food industry
- Detection of heavy metals in food according to the thresholds of EC Regulation 1881/2006 .
- Monitoring of contaminants in agricultural raw materials (soil, water, fertilizers).
- Control of food packaging to limit the migration of toxic substances.
Analyses in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products
- Testing for metallic impurities in pigments and minerals used in makeup.
- Analysis of heavy metal concentrations according to ISO/TR 17276:2014 and the European Pharmacopoeia USP 233 .
- Stability and compatibility tests to avoid interactions between heavy metals and active ingredients.
Environmental and industrial analyses
- Monitoring industrial discharges to prevent water and soil contamination.
- Detection of heavy metals in wastewater treatment plants and drinking water.
- Industrial waste control to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Laboratory analyses are an essential tool for managing risks related to heavy metals . They allow manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products , comply with strict regulations , and limit their environmental impact .
YesWeLab's contribution to heavy metal monitoring
YesWeLab plays a key role in the monitoring and analysis of heavy metals for industrial companies across various sectors. Through its network of over 200 partner laboratories and its digital analysis management platform , YesWeLab offers analytical solutions tailored to the needs of companies subject to strict regulations regarding metallic contaminants.
YesWeLab's expertise in regulatory analysis
With heavy metals subject to strict standards in the food, cosmetics and environmental sectors , YesWeLab offers a full range of analytical services enabling manufacturers to guarantee the safety of their products .
Agri-food analyses
YesWeLab supports players in the food industry by offering analyses that comply with European regulations (EC 1881/2006, 2021/1317 and 2021/1323) .
Services offered for the control of heavy metals in food :
- Detection of traces of lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium in food and beverages.
- Monitoring of contaminants in seafood, cereals, vegetables, fruits and food supplements .
- Control of heavy metals in animal feed to prevent their accumulation in the food chain.
Cosmetic analysis
YesWeLab performs compliance analyses for cosmetics in compliance with ISO/TR 17276:2014, USP 233 standards .
Tests performed :
- Identification and quantification of metallic impurities in cosmetic formulations.
- makeup, skincare, hair and sun care products .
- Control of heavy metals in raw materials used in cosmetics and nutraceuticals (mica, metal oxides, talc).
Environmental and industrial analyses
YesWeLab assists companies in managing metal contamination by analyzing the presence of heavy metals in water, soil, air and industrial effluents .
Services offered :
- Detection of heavy metals in industrial discharges and wastewater .
- Monitoring of soil contamination in agricultural and industrial areas .
- Compliance tests for hazardous waste containing heavy metals .
Digital solution for managing analyses
YesWeLab offers a unique digital platform that allows manufacturers to centralize their analyses and optimize the management of their quality controls .
Advantages of the YesWeLab solution :
- Simplified ordering : access to a catalogue of more than 10,000 analyses on a single interface.
- Real-time monitoring : sample management and online results tracking.
- Access to analytical reports : viewing and downloading ISO 17025 certified analytical reports .
- Optimizing turnaround times : reducing processing times through a network of partner laboratories .
Thanks to this digitalization of analyses, companies can guarantee the traceability of their quality controls and ensure the conformity of their products in complete transparency.
