Yan Yumeng, Mao Zhenxing, Wang Xinlu, Chen Zhiwei, Ma Cuicui, Wei Dandan, Yan Wenjing, Wu Xueyan, Guo Yao, Xu Haoran, Han Guozhen, Han Erbao, Lou Huilin, Chen Taimeng, Huo Wenqian, Wang Chongjian, Huang Shan, Zeng Xin
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases by Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
Front Public Health. 2025 Apr 17;13:1499653. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1499653. eCollection 2025.
In recent years, industrial and agricultural advancements in Henan Province have increased heavy metal contamination in rice, raising public concerns. The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination levels of five heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and inorganic arsenic (As), in rice from Henan Province and to assess potential health risks.
A total of 6,632 rice samples were collected from 18 regions between 2020 and 2022. The samples were analyzed for Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, and As using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Detection rates were compared using the chi-square test, and health risks were assessed for the three populations (adults, children and toddlers) according to USEPA guidelines.
The results of the study showed that As had the highest detection rate of 99.59%, followed by Cd (27.69%), Cr (22.57%), Pb (2.25%) and Hg (1.95%). Cd levels were significantly higher in urban areas (30.42%) than rural areas (23.13%) ( < 0.001). The detection rate of Cd was higher in the southern region compared to other regions, while the detection rate of Cr in the eastern region was the highest among all regions. The health risk assessment showed that the Hazard Quotient (HQ) for inorganic As exceeded 1. However, children and toddlers were at relatively higher risk of exposure to As compared to adults.
This study revealed the current status of heavy metal contamination in rice in Henan, particularly highlighting the presence of As as a significant health hazard for children and toddlers. Consequently, it is recommended that the relevant authorities should strengthen the monitoring and control of food safety in order to effectively protect public health.
近年来，河南省工农业的发展导致大米中的重金属污染增加，引发了公众的关注。本研究旨在调查河南省大米中镉（Cd）、铬（Cr）、铅（Pb）、汞（Hg）和无机砷（As）这五种重金属的污染水平，并评估潜在的健康风险。
2020年至2022年期间，从18个地区共采集了6632份大米样本。使用电感耦合等离子体质谱法（ICP-MS）对样本中的镉、铬、铅、汞和砷进行分析。采用卡方检验比较检出率，并根据美国环境保护局（USEPA）的指南对成年人、儿童和幼儿这三类人群的健康风险进行评估。
研究结果表明，砷的检出率最高，为99.59%，其次是镉（27.69%）、铬（22.57%）、铅（2.25%）和汞（1.95%）。城市地区镉的含量（30.42%）显著高于农村地区（23.13%）（P<0.001）。与其他地区相比，南部地区镉的检出率较高，而东部地区铬的检出率在所有地区中最高。健康风险评估显示，无机砷的危害商（HQ）超过1。然而，与成年人相比，儿童和幼儿接触砷的风险相对较高。
本研究揭示了河南省大米中重金属污染的现状，特别强调了砷的存在对儿童和幼儿构成重大健康危害。因此，建议相关部门加强食品安全监测和管控，以有效保护公众健康。
