Cadmium is the most widely distributed of the six heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc, arsenic and selenium) and mercury is the most restricted. The average intake of lead, cadmium and mercury is below the WHO/FAO tolerable intake levels for adults, but not for arsenic and selenium. However, increased concentrations of these elements in food would be considered undesirable.

Heavy metal poisoning can happen when you come into contact with certain metals, making you sick and affecting the way your body works. Heavy metals: Arsenic, lead, mercury... are all in the ground we walk on, in the water we drink and in the products we use every day. With most heavy metals, high levels can cause health problems.