We often talk about lead and mercury, but cadmium remains a little in the shadows. However, this heavy metal is just as dangerous for our health. Ultra toxic, carcinogenic and capable of modifying our DNA (just that), it hides almost everywhere in our environment and ends up in our daily meals. In France, it is a real public health concern which affects adults as much as children.
Why is our food contaminated?
The main culprit is agriculture with its phosphate fertilizers. These products leave cadmium residues in our foods such as wheat, bread, potatoes or certain vegetables. An unprecedented analysis of 41 varieties of breadpurchased in different regions of France, revealed traces of cadmium in all samples. Whether artisanal or industrial, white, wholemeal, organic or traditional, none are immune.
This is all the more worrying since around one in two adults and one in five children have cadmium levels that are too high according to ANSES. Industrial pollution since the end of the 19th century and the importation of Moroccan fertilizers (richer in cadmium than those coming from Florida or Saudi Arabia) are largely responsible.
The damage to our health
The picture is not pretty: a high presence of cadmium can cause neurological diseases such as lead poisoning and damage our kidneys and bones. It can also increase health risks linked to cancer and disrupt our hormonal system. Today in France, 47% of adults et 18% of children exceed recommended levels.
And that's not all! Water contamination by these heavy metals affects thousands of places in France. Take this small town in Charente-Maritime: Isaac (22 months) can no longer play outside because his garden is polluted and Benoît, retired, must give up his homemade vegetables.
When citizens say “stop”
People said “enough!” » in the face of this alarming situation. They decided to take the State to court for its inaction in the face of contamination by these heavy metals. This case could well become a huge health safety trial.
A powerful documentary was broadcast in “Zone Interdite” on M6, January 26, 2025, putting this scandal in the spotlight. This report raised many questions about our daily food safety and proposed several ideas, given by experts, to reduce our exposure to cadmium.
Among their advice:
-- buy organic when possible
- eat more foods rich in fiber or iron such as red meat, fish or legumes
Experts also insist on rapid intervention to better regulate the use of pesticides and phosphate fertilizers while cleaning already polluted soils.
Towards general awareness
This story around cadmium pushes us to think not only about what we put on our plates but also about the public policies necessary to protect our collective health. In particular, we are talking about drastically reducing the authorized level of cadmium in phosphate (from 60 has 20 grams per ton) and actively depollute the soil with healthy soil.
It is essential that everyone understands the dangers of cadmium in order to adopt safer eating habits while putting pressure on the State to react effectively to this invisible but very present threat among us.
Study: https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/docs/impregnation-de-la-population-francaise-par-le-cadmium.-programme-national-de-biosurveillance-esteban-2014-2016
Useful link: https://www.m6.fr/zone-interdite-p_845
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