Lead and cadmium contamination of soil and vegetables in the Upper Silesia region of Poland.

Studies of the lead and cadmium content of soils and vegetables from 126 allotments in 12 towns in a polluted region of Poland are described. Metal concentrations in parsley, celery, carrots and red beet were determined using AAS. In most cases, metal concentrations in soils and vegetables exceeded accepted standards and concentrations found in rural regions. A total of 756 vegetable samples were studied and only 170 met the standard for lead and 17 for cadmium. The lowest lead content was found in parsley roots and the highest in celery leaves. Cadmium content between species did not differ greatly and the highest concentrations were recorded for celery. The metal intake by the consumer was also calculated using questionnaire data concerning vegetable consumption. In relation to the reference area, the metal intake in the polluted area was 2-5 times higher for lead and 2-16 times higher for cadmium. The main species responsible for the high metal concentrations were carrots and red beet. Replacing carrots and red beet with the same species grown in an unpolluted region would reduce the consumer's metal intake from vegetables considerably.