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ABSTRACT
The concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium and lead) in selected green tea brands was investigated, this was done to assess human risk exposure to these known carcinogens. Tea samples were collected from local stores located in ring road, Benin city and extracted using nitric and perchloric acid digestion. The concentration of the heavy metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific Model VGP210). Results obtained revealed a concentration range of 0.50 to 1.00 mg/kg for cadmium, while the concentration of lead was found to be below the detection limit of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer, which implied that the concentration of lead was in trace amount, posing little risk to lead contamination. Comparing results with those obtained by other research found, the concentration values obtained here were lower than their values obtained. Comparison with regulatory bodies (WHO/FAO) shows that the cadmium concentration obtained were relatively higher than the acceptable limits, this also indicate that the consumption of these tea brands should be done in moderation to minimize the exposure of such heavy metals to consumers.
