Potential Health Risks Due to Heavy Metals in Indian Rice Available in Karbala Markets, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production by This study aims to assess the concentrations of six heavy metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), and Selenium (Se), in samples of Indian basmati rice available in Karbala markets, Iraq. The concentrations of (As, Cr, Se, Ni, Pb, and Cd) were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), to evaluate the potential human health risks associated with the consumption of this rice, several health risk assessment parameters were calculated, including the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Cancer risk (CR). The average concentrations of As, Cr, Se, Ni, Pb, and Cd in the analyzed rice samples were 94.77, 326.06, 132.58, 179.39, 164.42, and 156.90 µg/kg, respectively. The average value of the Hazard Index (HI) was 4.242, which exceeded safe levels. The corresponding average carcinogenic risk (CR) values for As, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cd were 8.21×10^-04, 8.71×^-04, 9.40×10^-04, 8.05×10^-06, and 5.70×10^-03, respectively. However, the concentrations of As and Cd in several samples exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by European Union regulations. The calculated health risk indicators (EDI, THQ, HI, and CR) remained within internationally recognized safe exposure levels. In conclusion, although specific heavy metal concentrations in Indian basmati rice sold in Karbala exceed regulatory limits, the overall risk to human health from regular consumption appears minimal under current dietary exposure scenarios. Continuous monitoring and stricter import quality control are recommended to ensure long-term food safety for the local population.