###### Abstract  
Flux (_Linum usitatissimum_ L.) is valued for its fibers and nutrient-rich seeds, which are increasingly consumed for their health benefits. However, flaxseeds can also accumulate potentially toxic elements (PTEs), raising concerns about safety. This study quantified 11 essential elements (e.g., Ca, Fe, Mg, and Zn) and 9 PTEs (e.g., Al, Cd, Pb, and Ni) in commercial flaxseed samples using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Two intake scenarios (15 g/day and 30 g/day) were analyzed to estimate dietary exposure, with health risks assessed through the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The results showed that organic flaxseeds had higher levels of certain elements (e.g., Cu, K, and Pb), while Al and Ni were more abundant in conventional samples. Cadmium levels in both remained below the EU regulatory limit. The highest estimated daily intakes were for K, Mg, and Ca, highlighting the seeds' nutritional value. However, HI values suggested that Al and Pb could pose health risks. These findings emphasize flaxseeds' dual nature as both beneficial and potentially harmful, particularly given the lack of specific regulatory limits and limited data on elemental composition. Continued monitoring and risk assessment are recommended to safeguard public health. flasseeds; trace elements; potentially toxic elements; dietary exposure; risk assessment 2020 IEEE/RSJ Web  
compounds, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), proteins, and lignans [3; 4; 5]. Additionally, flaxseeds are notable sources of essential elements such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) [6]. They can be consumed whole or in flour form and are included in both human and animal diets [3; 7; 8]. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2022, the largest producers of raw or retted flax fibers were countries within the European Union--specifically France, Belgium, and Belarus--followed by China and Russia [9]. In contrast, the leading producers of flaxseeds in 2022 were Russia (1.77 million tons), Kazakhstan (0.85 million tons), and Canada (0.47 million tons). The global market value for flaxseeds is projected to reach USD 0.89 billion in 2024 and could rise to USD 1.54 billion by 2029 [10]. Seeds such as chia and flax are increasingly recognized for their nutritional value, particularly as sources of vitamins and essential elements [6; 11]. However, these agricultural products are also susceptible to contamination via multiple environmental pathways. Contaminants, especially heavy metals and other trace elements, may be introduced through the soil, irrigation with contaminated water, or atmospheric deposition [12; 13; 14]. For example, the application of phosphate fertilizers, waste deposition, metallurgical industry practices, mining operations, and the combustion of fossil fuels are the primary anthropogenic sources of Cd in the soil [15]. Numerous studies have documented the adverse effects of heavy metals on crop quality and food safety [16; 17; 18; 19]. Moreover, many plant species, including food crops, have the capacity to bioaccumulate these elements, leading to potential transfer through the food chain and eventual human exposure [20; 21]. In the case of fiber-rich plants, this can pose a problem, given that such bioaccumulation can occur in various plant structures, including the stem, root, and leaves [20]. Although the European Union has established regulatory limits for various contaminants in food products, only cadmium (Cd) currently has a defined maximum limit for flaxseeds [22]. Previous research has demonstrated the presence of multiple metals in seed samples, including chia and flax [11; 23; 24]. Among these studies, only one quantifies the metal concentration in flaxseeds and is limited to only 10 metals [23]. A recent study analyzing 20 chemical elements in chia seeds highlighted the potential health risks associated with chronic exposure to some of these elements [11].