For example, cadmium, one of the most
common and most widely distributed of environmental metal poisons, when consumed in rice causes
proximal tubule damage, anaemia and a severe loss of bone minerals resulting in fractures (Reilly 2002). In
addition, cases of itai–itai disease were identified among people living in cadmium–polluted areas(Yoshioka
1964; Waalkes 2000). An intake of 1–2 g/d of the hexavalent form of chromium causes kidney and liver
necrosis (Kaufman et al. 1970).