Environmental Health in Israel | 2014

 Biosolids (treated sewage sludge), and coal ash (coal combustion residuals), both of which are applied on agricultural land used to grow crops for human consumption, can potentially contain low levels of contaminants, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and radiation. The MoH is evaluating levels of heavy metals and radiation in crops treated with coal ash.  Over 75% of the domestic wastewater in Israel is recycled, mostly for agricultural use. There are currently no regulations or guidelines that address permitted levels of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants in water used for irrigation. Issues pertaining to the presence of pollutants in irrigation water such as well water, water from fishponds, and gray water are currently being re-evaluated.  Although aluminum was not considered a toxic metal in the past, recent studies indicate a link between long-term consumption of high levels of aluminum and a negative impact on cognitive health endpoints. The National Food Service at the MoH is currently evaluating possible adverse health outcomes associated with aluminum exposure, with an emphasis on infant food. A wide range of baby foods will be tested for the presence of aluminum.  During the years 2010–2013, the National Food Service at the MoH conducted surveys on the presence of heavy metals and dioxins, furans, and PCBs in food. In 2014, the National Food Service will test for the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in various food products. The Food Service plans to repeat a survey conducted ten years ago on phthalates in infant food and to continue to analyze mercury content in fish. - 51 - Chemical Food Contaminants