The entire French population contaminated by heavy metals, warns a study

A study found that almost all French people are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury – and that exposure levels are higher than in other European countries.

The national health agency Santé Publique France said smoking and consumption of fish and seafood contributed to the findings, released earlier this month.

The presence of 27 potentially harmful metals was measured in the bodies of children and adults, and cross-checked with data from a decade, as part of a so-called Esteban health study that took environmental factors into account. and nutritional.

Blood, urine and hair samples were taken from a representative sample of 3,600 people aged 6 to 74, while information was collected on their lifestyle and food consumption patterns.

Between 97 and 100 percent of the participants were found to be exposed to heavy metals, depending on the substance. Santé Publique France said the results indicated that the entire French population was affected.

“The levels measured were higher than those found in most foreign countries (Europe and North America) with the exception of nickel and copper,” the agency added.

Cadmium hazard
In addition to an increase in arsenic and mercury, the results showed a worrying increase in levels of cadmium – a metal recognized as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Cadmium is a cumulative toxicant, which means that the risk of side effects is related to the dose that builds up in the body over time. It is harmful to the kidneys, bones and the respiratory system, and is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor.

The study revealed that nearly half of the French population had a cadmium concentration level higher than that recommended by the National Health Security Agency.

While cadmium is naturally present in soil, air and water, it can also be found in some industrial and agricultural processes, such as phosphate fertilizers.

“This is particularly true of fertilizers from Morocco, which are rich in cadmium … and which are particularly used in France,” said Pierre Souvet, president of the French Environmental Health Association.

Santé Publique France urged people to diversify their food sources, especially fish, in order to avoid excessive exposure to heavy metals.