Health · Public Health & Disease · 3 hrs ago
Only 2,160 people have received reimbursed cadmium tests in France
France has made cadmium tests eligible for partial reimbursement, but only 2,160 people had been tested under the scheme by September 28.
Cadmium is a toxic metal classified as a carcinogen.
A 2021 study found that 47.6% of people aged 18 to 60 in France had urine cadmium levels above a critical threshold, and a later health agency report described exposure as concerning at all ages, including young children.
The test costs 27.50 euros, with health insurance covering 60% and supplementary health insurance expected to cover the rest.
The scheme is meant for people who may have been overexposed because of where they live, but officials have not drawn up a list of eligible areas.
Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe tests because there is no clear plan for further checks or treatment if a result is high.
The available information does not say what changes, if any, are planned for the scheme.
Only 2,160 people in France had received reimbursed cadmium tests between the scheme’s launch on 16 June and 28 September, franceinfo reported.
The tests cost €27.50, with health insurance covering 60% and supplementary health insurance expected to cover the rest.
The scheme is limited to people considered potentially overexposed because of where they live, but authorities have not defined a list of eligible areas.
Doctors’ representative Pascal Meyvaert said he had not prescribed tests and would not do so, citing a lack of guidance on what to do with positive results.
A 2021 national study found that 47.6% of people in France aged 18 to 60 exceeded a critical urinary cadmium concentration threshold.
- Who
- 2,160 people in France received reimbursed cadmium tests.
- What
- France’s health insurance reimbursed cadmium screening tests. The scheme covers 60% of the €27.50 cost.
- When
- From 16 June to 28 September; the scheme began on 16 June.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- The scheme was introduced following alerts about cadmium exposure and is targeted at people potentially overexposed because of where they live.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A national biosurveillance study found that 47.6% of people in France aged 18 to 60 exceeded a critical urinary cadmium concentration threshold.
A report by France’s food, environmental and occupational health and safety agency described cadmium exposure as concerning at all ages, including from a very young age.
The reimbursement scheme for cadmium tests took effect.
The National Health Insurance Fund’s count showed 2,285 reimbursed tests involving 2,160 people since the scheme began.
- People tested
- 2,160
- Reimbursed tests
- 2,285
- Urine tests
- 1,539
- Blood tests
- 746
- Test cost
- €27.50; 60% covered by health insurance
- Study result
- 47.6% of people aged 18 to 60 exceeded the critical urinary cadmium concentration threshold in 2021
What people are saying
When you compare this figure with the number of private-practice doctors in France [about 100,000], it remains low
I have not prescribed tests and I do not intend to
The cart was put before the horse
Sources
Related news
US study links beauty products to nearly 42,500 eye injuries over 20 years
Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania
Lancet commission warns nuclear war and malicious AI could threaten humanity by 2100
Tokat suspends classes as thousands seek care for stomach symptoms
Florida man diagnosed with rare tularemia after months of illness
WHO says cause of Russian lab worker’s death remains unknown
Singapore flu activity reaches highest level since weekly records began in 2024
UK confirms 3,081 bluetongue outbreaks as all Scotland becomes restricted zone
Man dies after allergic reaction to ant bites while fishing in Goiás
Florida records more than 500 dengue infections this year
Tamil Nadu reaches HIV treatment and diagnosis targets
