In a report whose findings were published on March 25, 2026, ANSES confirms that the French population is overexposed to cadmium, a trace metal classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic to reproduction. The result: while diet is the primary source of exposure, cosmetics also play a role—albeit a minor one—in consumer exposure.
Following its own initiative on August 2, 2023, ANSES has just published this opinion “on prioritizing action strategies to reduce cadmium exposure among the French population using an aggregate exposure assessment approach”.
The objective of this study was:
• to develop a method for assessing aggregate exposure from various sources and exposure pathways for the general French population;
• to characterize and assess the contribution of exposure sources to population exposure levels;
• to examine various policy options for reducing exposure among the French population, as well as their prioritization.
Sources of exposure
The main sources of cadmium are linked to agricultural activities (primarily through phosphate fertilizers) and are therefore found in food (breakfast cereals, bread and dry baked goods, pastries, cakes, and sweet cookies, pasta, rice, and wheat, as well as potatoes and certain vegetables).
Tobacco smoking is another significant source, as the tobacco plant is highly capable of absorbing and accumulating cadmium from the soil in its leaves.
However, ANSES has also identified that cadmium may be present in cosmetic products.
Admittedly, cadmium and its compounds are among the substances listed in Annex II of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and are therefore prohibited. However, …
