Objectives:
Cadmium is an important environmental health risk factor for inhabitants of the Upper Silesia, Poland. Due to the cultivation of food crops in cadmium-contaminated soils of agricultural fields, home gardens and allotment gardens in the Silesian Region, the problem of exposure to cadmium is still valid among the inhabitants of this region. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of cadmium on the residents of the central part of the Silesian province, who consume root vegetables from local crops.

Material and methods:
The study material consisted of 54 soil samples and 70 vegetable samples from 7 selected cities with district status and 2 communes in the Silesian Region. The vegetable samples tested were carrot, parsley and celery, while the soil samples were collected from allotment gardens, home gardens and agricultural fields. The cadmium content was determined by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption (ETAAS), and estimation was made of consumer exposure to Cd in the locally grown vegetables.

Results:
The average cadmium content in the soils was 4.8 mg / kg d.m., which is 160% of the highest acceptable value. The highest average Cd concentrations were found in soil samples collected from allotment gardens located in Chorzów (15.2 mg / kg d.m). The maximum allowable concentrations of cadmium was exceeded in 66 of 70 vegetables samples.

Conclusions:
The cadmium content in most of the tested soil and root vegetables samples taken from the cultivable area of the Silesian Region exceeded the maximum acceptable concentrations, and indicates a potential health risk when considering the consumption of food crops cultivated locally.