Lead and cadmium pose a serious threat to human health, hence their content in food products is regulated by the EU standards, also binding in Poland. Food contamination with these metals is an etiological factor of civilization diseases. In order to prevent such disorders, it is extremely important to assess the degree of environmental pollution with Pb and Cd, reflected by the level of these metals in food products. Determination of Pb and Cd in food products demonstrates exposure to the toxic effect of these metals and  enables evaluation of the threat to human health in a given population. The aim of this study has been to estimate the health threat to the population of the Province of Podlasie (województwo podlaskie) due to Pb and Cd contamination of cereal products. The following foodstuffs were analyzed: flour, groats, bread, pasta, rice, bran and soya products. They were collected in 13 administrative districts of the Province of Podlasie while monitoring health quality of food products. Pb and Cd concentrations were determined with the AAS method. The highest Cd level was noted in pastas (0.058±0.0330 mg kg–1) and the highest Pb level was determined in cuscus (0.120±0.0899 mg kg–1). The lowest average Pb concentration was found in groats (0.042±0.0306 mg kg–1) and Cd was the lowest in wholemeal bread (0.016±0.0106 mg kg–1). The average concentrations of Pb and Cd in cereal products did not exceed the permissible limits established by the Minister of Health. The permissible level of Pb was not surpassed until the level of the 90th percentyl (in couscous and soya products). An average intake of Pb and Cd was within the tolerated amount, corresponding to 10% PTWI and 12% PTWI, respectively. Thus, no threat to the health of the population in Podlasie was detected.

18.3.2013