Health risks of thallium in contaminated arable soils and food crops irrigated with wastewater from a sulfuric acid plant in western Guangdong province, China

► Long-term wastewater irrigation led to high levels of Tl in soils and food crops. ► Daily intake of Tl through the food chain and health risks were estimated. ► The estimated daily intake of Tl mostly exceeded the recommended oral dose limit. ► Health risks of Tl exposure were identified to be significant.