Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Chlorate and Perchlorate in Tea from Anhui Region, China

• • Perchlorate was detected in 100% of 132 tea samples from Anhui, with concentrations ranging from 0.011 to 1.611 mg·kg−1; 2.3% exceeded regulatory limits, indicating widespread contamination and potential hotspots. • • Chlorate detection rate was only 15.9%, with maximum concentration 0.040 mg·kg−1 and zero exceedances, suggesting minimal chlorate contamination in Anhui teas. • • Perchlorate levels varied significantly by tea type and origin; yellow tea had the highest mean concentration, followed by green, black, and white tea, with central Anhui (Lu'an City) showing the highest levels. • • Health risk assessment showed all hazard quotients (HQs) for perchlorate were below 1, even at P95 exposure levels, indicating acceptable risks for all consumer groups; chlorate HQ was 0.003, far below 1.