Cadmium
Cities measured
87
Detected in
87 / 87
EU limit
5 μg/L
Highest
1.4 μg/L — Karachi
Overview
Cadmium has no biological function. It enters water from corrosion of galvanised pipes (cadmium is a zinc-coating impurity), solder, and industrial pollution from mining and phosphate fertiliser use.
Health Relevance
Cadmium accumulates in kidneys and bones over decades, causing tubular kidney damage, osteoporosis, and increased risk of lung and prostate cancer. Smokers have significantly higher cadmium body burden, as tobacco is naturally cadmium-rich.
Regulatory Limits
Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184
5 μg/L.
Controversy & Contested Science
The Japanese Itai-Itai ('it hurts, it hurts') disease — caused by Chisso Corporation releasing mercury into Minamata Bay — parallels the cadmium disaster in the Jinzū River basin (1910s–40s): over 200 deaths and widespread kidney failure and osteoporosis, predominantly in women. The case established cadmium as a major environmental toxin. Current EU limits are considered protective, but background soil cadmium from phosphate fertilisers means most Europeans already have body burden near the tolerable weekly intake — leaving minimal safety margin.