A recent study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that the French population has cadmium levels in urine three times higher than the European average. The research, conducted by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), analyzed data from over 2,000 adults and attributed the elevated levels to the use of cadmium-rich phosphate fertilizers in agriculture.
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Long-term exposure can lead to kidney damage, bone demineralization, and an increased risk of lung cancer. The study noted that French soils and crops, particularly wheat and potatoes, contain higher cadmium concentrations compared to other European countries.
The European Union has set a limit of 60 mg of cadmium per kg of phosphorus in fertilizers, but France has been pushing for stricter limits. In 2024, the French government announced a plan to reduce cadmium in fertilizers by 50% by 2030, but implementation has been delayed due to industry opposition. The study's authors call for immediate action to protect public health.
