Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Concentrations in Rice and Pulses and Implications for Human Health Risk

This study quantified lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in widely consumed cereals and pulses, such as rice ( Oryza sativa ), black gram ( Vigna mungo ), and lentils ( Lens culinaris ), collected randomly from various local markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and assessed human health risks. Carcinogenic Pb and Cd were detected in most samples, with 20-80% containing levels exceeding the maximum limits set by regulatory authorities. Human health risks were assessed through estimated daily intake (EDI), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The EDI values for Cd in rice and black gram surpassed the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) limits. The cumulative ILCR values for the majority of samples, excluding small lentils consumed by children, exceeded the safety threshold (ILCR>10 ^-4 ), suggesting a potential carcinogenic risk from prolonged consumption. Additionally, the THQ for Cd in rice among children was greater than the reference limit (THQ > 1.0), indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. The HI for rice exceeded 1.0 in both adults and children, indicating a potential risk of non-carcinogenic health effects associated with regular consumption. These findings may help foster food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection in Bangladesh.