Abstract:The enrichment factor index method, Hakanson index method and GIS geostatistical analysis were used to analyze the pollution level and distribution characteristics of Tl in soil and sediment around one typical lead-zinc tailings. The health risk of Tl in soil to human was analyzed by health risk assessment model employed by Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that average content of Tl in soil and sediment is 0.54 and 0.77 mg/kg respectively. Average enrichment factor index of Tl in soil is 0.77, which 75% of the samples are un-enrichment (EF＜1), however, average enrichment factor index of Tl in sediment is 1.10, which 100% of the samples are slight enrichment (1≤EF＜3). Average Hakanson index of Tl in soil is 30.9, which 75% of the samples are slight ecological risk (E_r^i＜40), however, average Hakanson index of Tl in sediment is 43.9, which 75% of the samples are medium ecological risk (40≤E_r^i＜80). The spatial analysis shows that Tl pollution in the sediment downstream of the lead-zinc tailings pond and within 150 m in soil from the tailings pond is relatively high, which indicates that it is affected by tailing pond storage for a long time. Health risk assessment of Tl shows that non-carcinogenic health risks of children and adults can be ignored, which average non-carcinogenic health risk indexes are 0.038 2 and 0.003 27 respectively. Content of Tl in soil and ingestion rate of soil particle are the most sensitive factors, which should be taken as the priority control factors.