To investigate the extraction of lead under different conditions and evaluate the risk of lead exposure by drinking tea.MethodsTea samples with certain concentration of lead were selected after screening, and extracted under the condition of daily use and more extreme conditions. The lead extraction was determined by AAS. The effect of different extraction conditions were investigated, including temperature, soaking time, ratio of tea and water, completeness of tea sample and washing. ResultsExtraction rate of trace lead in green tea was not significantly changed after soaking 5-30 min in water under 60-100 ℃. The highest extraction rate was found when the ratio of tea and water was 1∶30.The extraction rate in tea powder was higher than that in complete tea sample. The extraction rate reduced when soaking times increased. The extraction rates were in the range of 3.5%-6% for different green tea. The highest extraction rate was found in dark tea (12%).ConclusionThe lead intake from tea water was far below the lead amount in tea, according to the daily tea drinking habits.