More than 13,000 cancer cases linked to ‘toxic’ metals found in food
Thousands of cancer cases have now been linked to ‘toxic’ metals found in everyday foods, according to a recent study conducted in the US. Lead, arsenic, and cadmium levels in our diet have reportedly been rising in recent years, as these harmful substances seep into our soil and contaminate our food supply.
The study, presented at the 2023 Society for Risk Analysis Annual Conference in Washington, DC, reveals that contaminated foods are responsible for approximately 13,000 cases of bladder, lung, and skin cancers each year. Researchers have identified specific foods such as rice, wheat, and leafy green vegetables as the most likely to contain higher levels of toxic metals.
Among these metals, cadmium has been flagged as having a ‘very high’ probability of causing pancreatic cancer. Foods like nuts, potatoes, seeds, cereal grains, leafy green vegetables, and even tobacco smoke often contain cadmium. Pancreatic cancer is an extremely challenging disease to diagnose and has a high fatality rate of over 90 percent for patients after it has spread. As a result, the research team has urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement stricter regulations on metal content in foods.
Furthermore, the researchers have called on the food industry to adopt safer practices, as the levels of cadmium in food often exceed recommended limits. Dr. Felicia Wu, the lead study author and a food scientist at Michigan State University, highlighted the importance of these findings for public health and policymaking.
The team based their conclusions on an analysis of studies conducted between 2000 and 2023 on the effects of lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Their research revealed that foods contaminated with these metals were responsible for 6,000 cases of bladder and lung cancers. In addition, arsenic was found to contribute to around 7,000 cases of skin cancer.
Experts caution that approximately 2.5 percent of children have been exposed to dangerous levels of lead. Earlier this year, researchers discovered arsenic in various foods such as baby food, seafood, rice, and mushrooms.
With the rising number of cancer cases attributed to toxic metals in our food, it is crucial to address this issue promptly. Implementing stringent regulations on metal content and encouraging safer practices in the food industry are urgent steps that need to be taken.
By raising awareness about this concerning issue and working towards reducing toxic metal exposure, we can collectively protect public health.
