Toxic metals taint Canadian foods

Most Canadians unwittingly eat foods containing toxic metals such as lead and cadmium, resulting in chronic over-exposure, according to unpublished federal data obtained by Environmental Defence Canada.

Even the smallest exposure to lead can cause serious health effects-especially in children-such as lowered IQ and behaviour and attentiveness problems. And cadmium is stored in our fat cells and particularly affects the liver and kidneys.

In 2001, Canadian industries such as mining, smelting and battery disposal released more than three million kilograms of lead into the environment. More than 370,000 kilograms of cadmium from phosphate fertilizers, sewage sludge and agricultural practices were also released, up 25 per cent from 2000.

Environmental Defence Canada is calling for a federal strategy that focuses on air and water pollution reduction and improved food monitoring. Check out "Metallic Lunch: An Analysis of Heavy Metals in the Canadian Diet" at edcanada.org.