Health risk assessment of heavy metals (Arsenic and Cadmium) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) brands imported to Iran: using Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract

Background: Rice contamination with heavy metals is one of the most common cases of environmental pollution. The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentration of heavy metals (arsenic and cadmium) in the most widely consumed rice brands imported to southern Iran and to assess the health risk of exposure to them for consumers. Methods: A total of 103 rice samples were selected from 10 brands imported from India during 2014-2018. Heavy metal concentrations were measured by dry ash method using atomic absorption spectrometer (GBC model SavantAA). After determining the concentration of heavy metals in rice samples, health risk assessment was performed using the Monte-Carlo simulation technique. Results: The concentrations of arsenic and cadmium were 94.3±34.1 and 11.3±6.5 mg/kg, respectively. The values of non-carcinogenic risk index (hazard quotient) of cadmium and arsenic were 0.017 and 0.489, respectively. The average carcinogenic risk index for arsenic was 1.7E10-4, which is higher than the standard range (10-4 to10-6). Conclusion: Consumption of imported rice carries a risk of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. Consumption of contaminated rice with heavy metals, especially arsenic, can pose potential health risks to the consumer population. Therefore, special attention should be paid to contaminated rice and special interventions should be made to reduce arsenic in imported rice.

Simultaneous Analysis of Mycotoxins, Potentially Toxic Elements, and Pesticides in Rice: A Health Risk Assessment Study

“…However, the mentioned study by Almutairi et al [ 33 ] from Saudi Arabia can be a suitable study for comparison. For example, Javdan et al [ 51 ] reported that the HQ values of Cd and As derived from the consumption of Indian rice in Hormozgan, Iran, were 1.7 × 10 −2 and 4.9 × 10 −1 , respectively. Another local study from Iranshahr, Iran, also reported an HI value of 6.67 among frequently consumed rice brands, and its biggest contributor was the As, with an HQ value of 5.23 (share of 78.41% in HI).…”

Toxic Metals and Metalloids in Hassawi Brown Rice: Fate during Cooking and Associated Health Risks

“…The results of the present study are comparable of previous studies, which have reported that the levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium ranged from 0.21 to 0.98, 0.04 to 1.07, and 0.006 to 0.24 mg/kg, respectively, in brown rice near a mining area in Central China [19]. In a recent investigation of some imported rice varieties sold in the local markets of AlMadinah AlMunawarah, KSA, the results revealed that the country of origin affected the concentration of toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium) in rice grains, and the authors urged the regulatory authorities to monitor the heavy metal contents of rice imported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [45,46]. The results clearly elucidated that both arsenic and lead contamination in brown rice can be a threat to human beings [44].…”