Cadmium

What is Cadmium?

Cadmium, known by its symbol Cd and atomic number 48 in the periodic table, is a silvery-white, soft metal. While it is relatively rare in the earth’s crust, it can be found in various mineral ores and rocks. Industries extensively utilize Cadmium as an additive in the production of batteries, alloys, coatings, pigments, plastics, and it may also be present in fertilizers and pesticides.

Contamination towards argicultural products can occur through soil and water. Elevated levels of Cadmium in the soil can result from nearby mining or industrial processes and the use of specific fertilizers. As plants grow, they absorb Cadmium from the soil, allowing this contamination to enter the food chain. Contamination can also occur from contaminated water, both from the source of irrigation and from natural water bodies. Foods that are highly exposed to contamination are leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and kale, grains and cereals like rice, wheat, and barley. Additionally, seafood, especially shellfish and mollusks, can also contain elevated levels of cadmium if harvested from contaminated waters.

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can pose health risks such as kidney damage, bone problems, respiratory problems as well as having a carcinogenic effect. Therefore, the European Union has set maximum levels for cadmium in the EU Commission Regulation 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food.

At GALAB we can accurately determine the cadmium levels in your food products using ICP-MS.