Cadmium
Occurrence
Cadmium has been spread into the environment by the mining and metal industry. The air today is mainly polluted from metal production/recycling and combustion of fossil fuels. It ultimately ends up in arable land. In addition to the disposal of cadmium from the air, fertilizers and sewage sludge represent a significant portion of the cadmium supply in arable land. Cadmium is found in most foods, generally higher levels in vegetables such as potatoes and cereals, than in animal products. Some foods have relatively high concentrations, e.g. wild growing field mushrooms, liver and mussels.
Health
Cadmium has been classified as a carcinogen by WHO. Cadmium remains in the body for a long time and is stored in the kidneys, causing renal dysfunction.
Swedish snus and foodstuffs
100 g of fish and shellfish contain 18 micrograms of cadmium, which is equivalent to the contents of almost 3 (x) 24 g cans of Swedish snus.
Limit values
There are maximum levels of cadmium in the EU in certain foods. Cadmium has had a GOTHIATEK limit since the standard was introduced.
