No risk from cadmium levels - for now

New Zealanders' levels of the heavy metal pollutant cadmium pose no immediate risk but may in the future, according to a report just released.

The final report, by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry working group, into the risk of cadmium use in New Zealand agriculture, said there was no immediate risk to the agriculture industry, food safety or land use flexibility.

"This is supported by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, which is responsible for managing New Zealanders' exposure to cadmium through food," working group chairman John Hellstrom said yesterday.

"They have confirmed that the amount of cadmium in the diet of the average New Zealander is well below levels that would cause any concern."

However, problems may arise in the future if cadmium levels in the soil continued to rise, he said.

Cadmium occurs naturally in rock used to make phosphate fertilisers.

Mr Hellstrom said the next step was to consider options to prevent cadmium accumulation in New Zealand soil.

"The (agriculture) industry is aware of the problem and has been working to reduce Cadmium inputs for some time now."

Chronic exposure to cadmium can lead to kidney damage, bone disease and breast cancer.

- NZPA