Cadmium contamination of rice from various polluted areas of China and its potential risks to human health

A total of 484 rice samples were collected from five polluted areas in China to investigate the cadmium (Cd) contamination of rice and its potential health risks. The mean Cd contents of analyzed rice samples obtained from different areas ranged from 0.149 to 0.189 mg . kg(-1). Cd concentrations in more than 18 % of rice samples exceeded the maximum allowable Cd concentration, and the highest level of 41.1 % was observed in samples from Hezhang, Guizhou, which was characterized by serious Cd pollution. Target hazard quotient (THQ) values of 1.5 to 7.8 from rice intake indicated a significant non-carcinogenic health risk for humans, particularly for highly exposed consumers. Children are more at risk than adults, as indicated by the higher THQs. Moreover, carcinogenic risks of Cd from rice intake for average and high consumers in the selected areas were two to three and four to eight greater, respectively, than the threshold value recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.