Estimation of the accumulation rates and health risks of heavy metals in residential soils of three metropolitan cities in China

•Estimated heavy metal accumulation rates in residential soils of cities.•Zn and Pb in Shanghai increased more rapidly than in Shenzhen and Beijing.•Accumulation rates of Cd and Cu in soils were similar in the three cities.•Correlation with building age indicated heavy metal pollution in the soil.•Health risks posed by heavy metals were unrelated with building age of residential areas.