Overall, as depicted in figure 1, the levels of metals of health concern (Cr, As, Cd, Pb) varied considerably among brands. The tested Chinese brands averaged 0.55 μg/g Cr (range 0.0–1.0), 0.78 μg/g As (range 0.3–3.3), 3.24 μg/g Cd (range 2.0–5.4) and 2.54 μg/g Pb (range 1.2–6.5). figure 2 presents comparison data from the Canadian market in 2004 (see Hammond and O'Connor for more details24) indicating that levels of Cr are comparable to Canadian brands (though statistically significantly different, p values <0.02 by t test), but that levels of As, Cd and Pb are substantially (2–3-fold) higher (p values <0.0001). http://upfile1.kdnet.net/Upload/2010/10/09/2010109846182837985.gif