France, April 28 -- Health warnings over cadmium exposure in France have been mounting for years, but political action over the crisis has repeatedly stalled.

A citizens' petition launched on 9 April urged the government to curb exposure to the toxic metal "without delay", criticising what it called "unjustifiable political inertia" - as lawmakers prepare to examine a proposed crackdown on cadmium-heavy fertilisers on 14 May.

Pressure has intensified since Anses, France's national health and food safety agency, warned in March that nearly half the population is exposed to cadmium above recommended safety levels.

The agency warned the level of exposure was worrying and said contamination affects all age groups, including very young chil...