When food items are wrapped directly in old newspaper, they are most likely to become contaminated by which toxic metal present in printing inks?

Introduction / Context:
In many places, street food or snacks are still wrapped in old newspapers despite repeated health warnings. Printing inks used in newspapers can contain various chemicals, including heavy metals. Over time, these substances can migrate from the ink onto oily or moist foods, creating a health risk. This question asks you to identify the main toxic metal of concern when food is wrapped directly in newspaper.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Food is wrapped directly in printed newspaper. Printing inks may contain heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. Options list metals: magnesium, aluminium, lead, copper and mercury. We focus on the metal commonly associated with ink toxicity and food contamination in this context.

Concept / Approach:
Lead is a toxic heavy metal historically used in various pigments and inks. Chronic exposure to lead can cause neurological damage, especially in children, along with anaemia and kidney problems. Although many countries now regulate or restrict lead in inks, old or low quality printing materials may still contain it. When hot, oily or moist food is wrapped in newspaper, lead and other chemicals from the ink can leach onto the food surface and then be ingested. Magnesium and aluminium are not typically highlighted as serious contaminants from newspaper ink in this context, and copper or mercury are less commonly associated with standard printing inks used for papers.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the health concern discussed in public advisories about wrapping food in newspapers mainly mentions heavy metal contamination. Step 2: Recall that lead is one of the most widely known toxic metals historically used in pigments and inks. Step 3: Consider that magnesium is an essential nutrient and not a typical ink contaminant causing such alarms. Step 4: Note that while aluminium and copper can be present in the environment, they are not the classic example linked to newspaper ink. Step 5: Conclude that lead is the specific toxic metal most likely to contaminate food wrapped directly in newspaper.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by recalling health warnings from food safety authorities, which often emphasise that newspapers are not safe for direct contact with food because ink may contain lead and other harmful substances. Lead poisoning is a major public health issue worldwide, and eliminating avoidable sources of exposure, including contaminated food packaging, is a key priority. Since the other listed metals do not appear as prominently in such warnings about newspaper wrapping, this supports lead as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Magnesium is a vital mineral nutrient and is not considered a toxic metal in small quantities; it is not the primary concern in printing inks. Aluminium can be present in cookware and cans but is not the classic contamination risk from newspaper wrapping. Copper is an essential trace element, and although excessive amounts can be harmful, it is not typically cited in this specific context. Mercury is highly toxic but is mainly associated with industrial pollution and certain thermometers or fluorescent lamps, rather than routine newspaper inks. Thus, none of these alternatives fits the standard explanation for food contamination from newspaper wrapping as directly as lead does.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted to choose mercury because it is widely recognised as a dangerous metal, even though it is not usually linked to printing ink in everyday newspapers. Others might pick aluminium due to ongoing debates about aluminium cookware, which again is a different issue. To avoid confusion, remember that lead has a long historical association with paints and inks and is the classic example of a toxic contaminant in situations like this. Linking newspaper ink contamination specifically with lead will help you answer similar public health questions accurately.

Final Answer:
Food wrapped directly in old newspaper is most likely to be contaminated by lead from the printing ink.