Health Risks from Heavy Metals via Consumption of Cereals and Vegetables in Isfahan Province, Iran.

The present study was conducted to assess the risks to human health from exposure to arsenic, lead, nickel, zinc, and copper through consumption of wheat, rice, and some vegetables in Isfahan Province, central Iran, using the total non-carcinogenic hazard quotient and cancer risk assessment estimates. Risk contribution from Ni is minimal compared with other metals and it was less than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The results showed that total non-carcinogenic hazard of As and Pb, were greater than 1, and total cancer risk of As slightly greater than 1 × 10−4for all age groups. Therefore, the inhabitants who reside in Isfahan Province may experience the adverse health risks via consumption of cereals and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]