Cadmium

Cadmium, a naturally occurring toxic metal, is the subject of recent health concerns in France. The Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire (Anses), the French national health safety agency, has issued warnings about widespread overexposure to cadmium in the French population, primarily through dietary intake. This overexposure is considered a 'preoccupying' situation due to potential health risks including cancer, osteoporosis, and kidney failure. The increased levels are attributed to both natural environmental presence and human activities, particularly agricultural and industrial practices, with a specific focus on the use of phosphate fertilizers. Anses is urging the French government to take immediate action to reduce cadmium levels in agricultural soils, especially by regulating the content of cadmium in phosphate fertilizers. They also recommend limiting consumption of certain foods like cereals, bread, and pasta to mitigate exposure.