Bromine and selected rare earth elements in Italian herbal teas by INAA: exposure assessment

Herbal teas are widely consumed worldwide for their natural origin and perceived health benefits. However, their safety may be affected by contaminants such as bromine (Br) and rare earth elements (REEs). A total of 95 herbal tea samples, including 21 single herbs or mixed teas, were purchased in Italy and analyzed to assess Br and seven selected REEs (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Sc, Sm, and Yb). Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was used for its high sensitivity, multi-elemental capability, and minimal sample preparation. The median Br concentration was 13 mg/kg, while REEs ranged from < 0.002 (Lu, Sm) to 4.91 mg/kg (Ce). Estimated daily intake for adults resulted in a hazard index (HI) below 1, suggesting no significant non-carcinogenic risk. These findings offer new insights into the elemental content of herbal teas and emphasize the need to consider REEs and Br contaminants in dietary assessments. Overall, the results support the importance of broader contaminant monitoring and highlight the need for more comprehensive toxicological data to guide regulations.