France, one of the agricultural powerhouses in the EU, finds itself in a precarious position as it grapples with an omnipresent danger: cadmium exposure. Derived primarily from phosphate rock, cadmium is a toxic metal that has accumulated in French soils over centuries of intensive farming. Though relatively unknown to the general public, cadmium presents significant risks to public health and the environment. Its accumulation deteriorates soil quality, and its ability to enter the food chain poses serious health risks.
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The French population is particularly overexposed to cadmium. Studies by Santé Publique France reveal that average cadmium exposure has surged by 75% among French adults, with nearly half of all adults affected and 18% of children exceeding safe exposure thresholds. This is especially concerning, as prolonged exposure—especially through food and water—has been linked to cancer, kidney damage, and bone disease. Cadmium is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to reproduction.
This exposure primarily results from the consumption of food grown in cadmium-contaminated soils, largely due to fertilization practices. The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that key staples of the French diet, such as bread, vegetables, and potatoes, are among the main foods affected by cadmium contamination.
In light of these findings, the National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Labour Safety (ANSES) has recommended lowering cadmium limits to 20 milligrams per kilogram in phosphate mineral fertilizers. ANSES argues that these limits are necessary to minimize cadmium build-up in soils and its subsequent transmission to crops, surface water, and groundwater. These measures would reinforce the protection of cadmium-exposed populations through food safety improvements. Furthermore, ANSES advocates for Europe-wide initiatives to lower cadmium exposure among the general public. Public health advocates, including Santé Environnement France, have echoed these calls for stricter cadmium limits.
Looking ahead, stricter cadmium limits and a transition toward low-cadmium fertilizers will be necessary to protect public health, as well as the vitality of French soils and food systems for future generations. Cadmium limits are set to be reassessed by the European Commission in 2026, presenting a critical opportunity for Europe to take decisive action. Committing to stricter cadmium limits will not only mitigate the threats posed by cadmium exposure but also ensure long-term environmental sustainability and public health protection across the Union.
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