Thousands of pounds of fish are eaten worldwide daily. However many of these fish are pulled from waters that are contaminated. Cadmium fish contamination was found in Egypt, according to a study. Both cadmium and lead were found in the liver, stomach, and scales of the fish. Other studies conducted around the world have found that fish are exposed to cadmium.

Scientists say that humans ingest a certain amount of cadmium into their system. The reference dose of ingestion of cadmium in food, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 1 x 10-3 mg/kg/day. Health officials are concerned about cadmium fish contamination because the element is known to cause health problems. The most significant problems are in the kidneys. Anyone exposed to cadmium long term will see cadmium build up in the kidneys that can lead to renal failure if severe. Cadmium is also listed as a probable carcinogenic by the EPA.