French doctors have given a stern warning regarding ‘cadmium’, a poisonous heavy metal present in all our daily foodstuffs such as bread, potatoes, and cereals. Most commonly entering the food chain in the form of phosphate fertilisers, cadmium is a serious health hazard, particularly to young children. French physicians identify long-term threats caused by ingestion of cadmium such as cancer, kidney injury and other serious ailments. Children’s diets also report alarmingly higher levels of contamination, as reported.Experts have insisted on prompt action by the government in the form of tighter controls, public information campaigns, and reform of school lunches. They state that otherwise, the impact of cadmium could take decades to manifest itself. Protecting children and vulnerable populations from cadmium exposure will require urgent regulatory action, increased public awareness, and a shift toward more sustainable farming practices.
French doctors warn: Cadmium in potatoes and grains may raise cancer, high BP risk in kids
In a June 2 press release, the Union Régionale des Professionnels de Santé (URPS); a French medical professional association, issued a warning of an “explosion of contamination in young children.” They added that children’s diets consisting of high amounts of starchy and grain foods render them particularly susceptible.The letter highlighted that cadmium is one of the most poisonous heavy metals, and long-term exposure may have severe health effects as the children develop. This is due to the reason that cadmium has a tendency to get stored in the body, which means exposure at a young age can be especially lethal.
What is cadmium and how does it enter the human food chain
Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that becomes a health hazard when it accumulates in the body. It is commonly found in phosphate-based fertilisers used in agriculture. When these fertilisers are applied to soil, crops absorb cadmium through their roots, introducing it into the human food chain.While cadmium exists naturally in the earth’s crust, industrial activity and poor waste management have significantly increased its presence in soil and water. Apart from food, another major source of cadmium exposure is tobacco smoke, as the metal is present in cigarettes.
Long-term health risks associated with cadmium exposure
Decades of scientific research have linked cadmium exposure to a range of serious health problems, including:
- Cancer: Cadmium is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is strongly associated with lung, prostate, pancreatic, and kidney cancers.
- Kidney damage: The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to cadmium, as the metal is filtered through them and accumulates over time.
- Cardiovascular issues: Exposure has been tied to high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Bone degradation: Cadmium interferes with calcium metabolism, leading to bone thinning and diseases such as osteoporosis.
- Neurological effects: In children, exposure may contribute to cognitive deficits and developmental delays.
- Fertility problems: Cadmium is also linked to reproductive toxicity, affecting both male and female fertility.
Cadmium contamination in kids’ diets far exceeds adult levels; warns ANSES
Data from ANSES (France’s food and environmental safety agency) reveals the extent of the issue:
- Only 0.6% of adult diets exceed the safe cadmium intake level.
- In comparison, 14% of children aged 3 to 17 have diets with unsafe cadmium levels.
- Alarmingly, the figure jumps to 36% among toddlers under the age of 3.
This disproportionate exposure highlights how young children are especially vulnerable, due to their smaller body size and dietary habits that often include more grain- and root-based foods.
EU bans high-cadmium fertilisers, but France yet to tighten rules
To reduce cadmium exposure, the European Union has banned phosphate fertilisers containing more than 60 mg/kg of cadmium. However, public health researchers argue that this cap is still too high to ensure safety. Some EU nations have introduced stricter national limits, but France—despite being the EU’s top consumer of phosphate fertilisers—has not implemented stricter controls. This lack of action has drawn criticism from health professionals who believe stronger regulations are urgently needed.
Countries reporting highest cadmium alerts
According to Euronews, a 2023 study monitoring cadmium contamination between 2000 and 2022 revealed the top five EU countries with the most food-related cadmium alerts:
- Italy
- Spain
- Germany
- France
- Poland
These findings indicate that cadmium contamination is not isolated but rather a widespread issue across Europe.
What are French doctors demanding
The URPS physicians are calling on the French government to act quickly and broadly to contain this public health risk. Their proposals include:
- Initiating national campaigns to make the public aware of cadmium hazards
- Refurbishing school lunch programs to minimize cadmium-containing foods consumed by children
- Promoting organic farming, since crops grown organically tend to be lower in cadmium
- Instituting improved tracking systems for vulnerable individuals, particularly children
They also mentioned the United States as a good example, referring to the fact that the US has lowered cadmium levels over the decades through enhancing sewage sludge management in agriculture.
The hidden danger: Cadmium builds up slowly but lasts for decades
One of the most disturbing features of cadmium is that it does not easily excrete from the body. After ingestion, it can remain and accumulate in tissues for many years, especially in the liver and kidneys. Consequently, the toxic effects could take decades or even decades to have a full impact. This delayed onset creates difficulties in associating health problems with cadmium exposure directly, again making policy a more complicated issue. The science is clear, however: the earlier action is taken, the less long-term harm can occur.Also Read | Burning, dry, or itchy eyes? Rose water might help; know its benefits and precautions before using
