Objective To investigate the pollution status of heavy metals in marine shellfish and evaluate the health risk for residents living in the coastal area of Fujian provice. Method A total of 128 marine shellfish samples(oyster, sinonovacula constricta, ruditapes philippinarum, and mytilus edulis)were collected from four coastal cities(Xiamen, Putian, Fuzhou, and Ningde)in June 2016. The contents of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, and the total content of Hg was detected by Hydride Generation Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. The pollution status of heavy metals was evaluated by single factor index(P_i)and integrative index(P_c), and the health risk for marine shellfishes intake was assessed using provisional tolerable weekly intake(PTWI_ABW). Result In total of 128 samples of marine shellfish, Cd, Cr, Cu were found exceeding the standard, and Cu exhibited the highest over-standard rate, followed by Cr and Cd. The Pi values suggested mild pollution of Cd and Pb, as well as moderate pollution of Cu in oyster, while mild pollution of Pb in sinonovacula constricta and Cd in mytilus edulis was also assesed. The P_c values suggested mild pollution in oyster and mytilus edulis. Health risk assessment showed that Cd intake from oyster and mytilus edulis exceeded the PTWI_ABW by 44.905% and 6.019%, respectively. Conclusion Mild to moderate pollution of heavy metals were detected in some marine shellfish in Fujian coastal cities, and potential health risks of Cd exposure by marine shellfish intake existed in residents in the coastal area.