Assessment of dietary cadmium exposure: A cross-sectional study in rural areas of south China

- The monthly exposure of Cd was 70.98 µg/kg b.w. in polluted area of south China.
- The average estimated lifetime exposure to Cd value was 303.57 mg in polluted area.
- Rice was the major polluted foods which accounted for 77.49% in Cd exposure.
- Chronic exposure assessment was conducted for the local individuals.

Individuals exposed to cadmium (Cd) polluted areas and/or Cd-polluted foods are at risk of renal dysfunction. To evaluate the pollution level and exposure assessment of Cd in rural areas of south China, 753 subjects, aged 45-75 years with foods cultivated from their own lands, were randomly selected. According to the dietary survey, the major foods included rice and vegetables. Our results showed that the median Cd concentrations of these foods were 0.33 and 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. The Cd concentrations of rice and vegetables samples were 65.31% and 23.75% higher than the Chinese Hygienic Standard. The median values of daily Cd intake were 0.11 and 0.03 mg/day in rice and vegetables. The average estimated lifetime exposure values were 303.57 mg in polluted-area and 44.70 mg in control-area, respectively. The total monthly Cd exposure was 70.98 µg/kg b.w. in the polluted area, in which rice was the most important food category, contributing to 77.49% of the total exposure. The results indicate the high risks of living nearby the mining district for a long time.