French population overexposed to cadmium through food, health agency says

Studies have found that the French population is facing prolonged exposure to "concerning" levels of the toxic metal, according to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES).

ANSES noted, "concerning cadmium levels at all ages, even in early childhood".

Cadmium is naturally present in the environment, but certain human activities can increase the presence of this metal, which can be toxic (carcinogenic or affecting reproduction, bones and kidneys) in cases of prolonged exposure.

"Cadmium is known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction, and prolonged exposure causes kidney damage and bone fragility in humans, particularly from oral exposure via food and drinking water," ANSES says.

Cadmium can be ingested or inhaled via food, water, air, dust, soil, cosmetics and smoking. But ANSES said food stands out as the primary source of exposure, accounting for up to 98 percent of exposure in non-smokers.

Breakfast cereals, breads, pastries, cakes and sweet biscuits, pasta, rice, wheat, potatoes and certain vegetables are among the most contaminated foods.

For smokers, smoking and vaping constitute another significant source of exposure.

Read more on ANSES: What is cadmium, and how can we reduce our exposure to it?

To sustainably reduce cadmium exposure, ANSES called for action "first and foremost at the source" of food contamination: agricultural soils and fertilisers (including phosphate mineral fertilisers, livestock effluents and sewage sludge).

ANSES specifically called for the "application of cadmium limit values ​​for fertilisers as soon as possible", reiterating its 2019 recommendation of a maximum cadmium content of 20mg per kilogramme in phosphate mineral fertilisers, down from the current limits of 90mg in France and 60mg in the European Union.

"If current exposure levels persist and no action is taken, long-term adverse effects are likely for a growing segment of the population," Géraldine Carne, coordinator of the ANSES review, told reporters.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)