Prolonged exposure to cadmium, a common pollutant in industrial nations, can increase the risk of cancer, new research warns.
A study by Belgian scientists indicates that people exposed to cadmium in the environment have an increased risk of cancer. The metal has a toxic effect and a slow half-life, accumulating in the body over a lifetime.
Published in The Lancet Oncology, the study warns that cadmium exposure can occur through eating contaminated food and by inhaling tobacco smoke or polluted air.
Using the amount of cadmium in a person's urine as an indicator of exposure, the researchers tested a random sample of 994 participants from an area close to three zinc smelters and compared them with a reference population from a low exposure area.
Those subjects living close to the smelters had significantly higher levels of cadmium in their urine than the average population. The study found considerably higher rates of fatal and non-fatal cancers in subjects living in the high cadmium exposure area.
The scientists concluded: "Consistent with indirect evidence currently available, we have shown a significant association between risk of lung cancer and environmental exposure to cadmium.
"To our knowledge, this is the first time such an association has been reported in an environmentally exposed population."
Dr Jan A Staessen, of the University of Leuven, Belgium, who led the study, wrote: "Historical pollution from non-ferrous smelters continues to present a serious health hazard, necessitating targeted preventive measures."
The issues of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have become a greater focus for lawmakers in recent months. Research has warned that global warming and pollution levels are rising faster than originally thought and many countries have set tough targets to reduce emissions.
In response to concerns about levels of toxins in food, sales of organic food and drink in the UK have risen sharply over the past few years.