Abstract: ObjectiveTo monitor the pollution of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in shellfish in Shenzhen sea area and assess the risk of dietary exposure.MethodsSeven species of shellfish, i.e., red oysters, clams, abalone, mussels, scallop, oyster, and pearl shell, were collected every month for two consecutive years from 2015 to 2016 in Tung Chung, Xie Xia, Yang Meikeng, and Pearl Island of Shenzhen Bay. The contents of Pb and Cd were detected, and the differences of Pb and Cd contents in shellfish species, season and monitoring sites were analyzed.ResultsA total of 221 shellfish samples were detected. Red oyster had the highest over standard rate of Pb (39.13%), followed by clam (17.78%), but other species of shellfish were not exceeding the standard of Pb. Scallops had the highest over standard rate of Cd (68.42%), followed by red oyster (56.52%) and pearl shell (9.09%), but other species of shellfish were not exceeding the standard of Cd. Judging from the single pollution index, the Cd in red oyster and scallop was light polluted. According to the integrated pollution index, the Pb was moderately polluted in the clam, light polluted in the red oyster; the Cd was moderately polluted in the red oyster and light polluted in the scallop. There were no significant differences in the monthly variation of Pb and Cd in shellfish. The contamination of Pb and Cd was serious in Xie Xia Bay, but less in Tung Chung Bay. The assessment result showed the dietary exposures to Ph and Cd were 0.485μg/person/week and 1.089 μg/person/week, respectively, far below the tolerated intake recommended by JECFA.ConclusionThe pollutions of Pb and Cd in shellfish are relatively low in Shenzhen sea area and the shellfish is relatively safe for food consumption.