Every year, many thousands of migratory waterfowls are hunted and consumed by people in the southern Caspian Sea region. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the intake and health risks of exposure to cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) from consumption of Gadwall Anas strepera and Common Teal Anas crecca, two common waterfowl species being hunted in the region. Observed concentrations (μg g-1 wet w) of Cd and Pb in pectoral muscles of Gadwall (Cd: 0.36 ± 0.17, Pb: 0.92 ± 0.19) and Common Teal (Cd: 0.13 ± 0.88, Pb: 0.32 ± 0.21) were above the exposure thresholds defined by the European Commission. The estimated daily and weekly intake of heavy metals were below those recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and oral reference dose suggested by the USEPA. In conclusion, there appears to be little risk of exposure to heavy metals associated with the consumption of the flesh of Gadwall and Common Teal by consumers in this region
