A Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Rice

Objective To assess the health risk of heavy metals in rice from key areas in a city. Methods Based on the distribution of pollution sources,34 rice samples were collected in 2012 from key areas of A county,B county and C county. Five kinds of heavy metals were detected. Health risk associated with the five kinds of heavy metals were assessed using USEPA health risk assessment model. Results The total rate of over standard was 52. 9% and the mean concentrations of As,Cd,Cr,Hg and Pb were 0. 183 mg / kg,0. 115 mg / kg,0. 049 mg / kg,0. 014 mg / kg and 0. 247 mg / kg respectively. The total health risk level was 6. 12 × 10- 4/ a and the health risk levels in A,B and C county were 7. 01 × 10- 4/ a,5. 19 × 10- 4/ a and 6. 20 × 10- 4/ a respectively. Conclusion The total health risks of three counties are higher than USEPA recommended level( 1 × 10- 4/ a).