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• In this study, some heavy metals were analyzed in high-consumption cereals. • The TTHQ of heavy metals for almost cereals is less than acceptable level. • The TCR of heavy metals for almost cereals is higher than acceptable level. • Monitoring cereals for heavy metals is essential before entering the market. In this study, seven types of high-consumption cereals including lentil, peas, corn, split peas, bean, rice, and wheat (totally 48 brands) were surveyed from the market of Kermanshah city (Iran). A total of 144 samples (3 from each brand) were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) was utilized to analyze As and Hg elements, while analysis of other metal ions was performed with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The overall concentration of Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Hg and As was equal to 6.85 ± 12.0, 27.3 ± 15.5, 86.7 ± 136, 459 ± 146, 21.2 ± 34.8, 147 ± 86.3, 2.03 ± 2.26 and 0.62 ± 1.80 μg/kg dry weight, respectively. The total non-carcinogenic (TTHQ) of heavy metals for almost cereals is less than acceptable level (= 1), while the corresponding total carcinogenic risks (TCR) for almost cereals is higher than allowable limit (= 10-4). Therefore, various practical measures can be taken to reduce the amount of heavy metals in cereals. These measures including avoid excessive consumption of fertilizers and pesticides for cereals production, cultivation of cereals in high-quality soils, and continuous monitoring of cereals in market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]