A recent study conducted in Australia on 12 different popular dried herb and spice brands found traces of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, and mercury. Similarly, a 2021 analysis of 126 herbs and spices by a US consumer data advocate found that roughly one-third of the tested products contained significant levels of toxic heavy metals, posing a health risk for children even when consumed in typical serving sizes. Lead, cadmium, and mercury can accumulate in the body and cause health problems, even in small amounts. Despite this, Australia currently has no limits on heavy metals in herbs and spices, making it important for consumers to choose their spices carefully. Some herbs and spices that were found to contain less concerning levels of heavy metals include pepper, garlic powder, coriander, curry powder, saffron, and sesame seeds. Growing produce with organic matter can also reduce exposure to unsafe levels of metals. The Center for Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the University of Massachusetts suggests several tips to reduce lead exposure, such as locating gardens away from old painted structures and heavily trafficked roads and washing hands immediately after gardening and prior to eating.