Cadmium in shellfish: the British Columbia, Canada experience--a mini-review.

Over 10 years ago, research scientists in the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) were alerted to the presence of high levels of cadmium, a toxic metal, in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) cultured in British Columbia (BC), Canada waters. This mini-review summarizes the most recent published studies on levels of cadmium in shellfish from the Pacific Northwest (BC and Washington State). Recent health risk assessments with respect to the ingestion of BC oysters are presented. The review concludes with a discussion on the ethical dilemma now facing the shellfish industry in the Pacific Northwest and provides recommendations for the culturing of shellfish without fear of high cadmium levels.