From June 16, any patient potentially overexposed to cadmium will be able to benefit from an examination to measure the quantity of this metal in their urine.
Cadmium: a highly toxic substance
Invisible, without odor or taste, cadmium has gradually intruded into our daily lives, to the point of contaminating most of the foods we consume (tea, coffee, cereals, chocolate, etc.).
The problem ? Since it accumulates over time in the body (and takes 10 to 30 years to be eliminated by half), it seriously impacts our kidneys, our bones, our cardiovascular system and even our fertility. Researchers are also wondering about its role in the appearance of certain cancers, including that of the pancreas. Concrete risks, which worry health professionals.
“Cadmium is a carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting heavy metal that alters DNA and causes oxidative stress in cells”confirms Dr Pierre Souvet, president of the Santé Environnement France (ASEF) association.
And unfortunately, the French are not spared from these effects: one in two people today has a level of exposure to cadmium higher than the health reference values, according to the National Health Safety Agency (ANSES). From 2024, the HAS recommended screening “potentially overexposed” residents living in regions where the soils are naturally rich in cadmium, such as Champagne, Charente, Jura and the Massif Central, or near the 7,000 sites contaminated by industrial installations, who risk being exposed by inhaling particles or consuming local products.
In this context, Health Insurance has decided to cover cadmium screening in people considered to be at risk.
Cadmium testing: who is affected?
Screening is aimed at “people potentially overexposed due to their place of residence”, when “the soil has been previously recognized by the competent authorities as being polluted by cadmium” and to those monitored for “chronic cadmium poisoning”, according to the text.
In detail, two tests can be carried out:
- The first test simply consists of measuring the quantity of cadmium present in the urine (cadmiuria);
- The second, a blood test, can be carried out to complete the assessment (if the first result obtained is high).
French people more exposed than others
- All French people living near former polluted industrial sites are more exposed to this toxic metal.
- Certain French provinces are also considered more “at risk”, such as Champagne, Charente, Jura or even the Massif Central, where the soils are richer in cadmium.
- However, even outside these territories, it is possible to be contaminated. If in doubt, particularly in cases of unexplained kidney and bone problems, you should always consult.
How much will this screening cost?
Each analysis will be billed at 27.50 euros. Part will be reimbursed by Health Insurance (up to 60%) and the rest by complementary health insurance. Only the fixed contribution of 2 euros will remain the responsibility of the patient for each examination.
With this reimbursement, the authorities hope to facilitate the identification of those most exposed and better prevent the disastrous consequences of this pollutant on our health.