Cadmium and arsenic concentrations in Sri Lankan rice and their potential health risks

Abstract

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations have been analysed in locally grown rice grains from North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Totally, 186 samples including newly improved and traditional varieties were collected during September-December 2016, and As and Cd concentrations were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy. The potential health risks were estimated by three indices namely Estimated Daily Intake, Target Hazard Quotient, and Cancer Risk. The values of As and Cd varied from <18.17-575.94 and <6.00-261.786 µg/kg, w/w respectively. The non-carcinogen risk, Target Hazard Quotient>1 in children was higher than the threshold value. The cancer risk of inorganic arsenic was also higher than the acceptable range for both children and adults, but children are more exposed to both elements than adults.