Vaishno Devi offerings case exposes toxic metal in silver: How this adulterant, if present in your jewellery, can damage lungs, kidneys & raise cancer risk

Devotees offering what they believe to be silver at the revered Vaishno Devi Temple may unknowingly be exposing themselves, and others, to serious health risks. Investigations have revealed that many of these offerings contain toxic metals such as cadmium, raising concerns not just about fraud, but also about public health.

Cadmium, a silvery-white metal often used in industrial processes, is highly toxic and strictly restricted under Bureau of Indian Standards norms for consumer goods. When heated, such as during melting, it releases dangerous fumes that can cause lung damage, kidney issues, and even increase the risk of cancer with prolonged exposure. Workers handling such materials without proper protection are especially vulnerable, but contamination can also affect air and water in surrounding areas.

Read more: Mint finds toxic fake metal in donations


Health experts warn that cadmium exposure over time can lead to respiratory problems, weakened bones, and organ damage, making its presence in religious offerings particularly alarming.

Massive 'Silver' Scam Uncovered in Temple Donations

According to a report by The Economic Times, a large-scale discrepancy has been uncovered in offerings made at the shrine. When the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sent nearly 20 tonnes of donated ‘silver’ to a government mint for processing, officials found that the metal contained just 5–6% actual silver.

The remaining composition was largely cadmium and iron, materials that cost a fraction of silver’s price. While silver trades at around Rs 2.75 lakh per kg, cadmium is priced at barely Rs 400–500 per kg, making this a significant case of alleged consumer deception.

Financial Shock: From Rs 500 Crore to Barely Rs 30 Crore

The shrine board had expected the offerings to yield silver worth Rs 500–550 crore, but early assessments suggest the actual value may be closer to Rs 30 crore.

A smaller batch of 70 kg reportedly yielded only 3 kg of genuine silver. Processing such material has also proven difficult due to contamination.

As one official told ET: “We had to deploy personnel for nearly three months to segregate the material… Even then, only small portions showed higher silver content.”

Toxic Risk During Processing Raises Alarm

The presence of cadmium created serious safety concerns at the mint. Officials initially refused to process the material due to the risk of cancer-causing fumes released during melting.

An official said: “Initially, we refused to process the material because of toxic, cancer-causing fumes it could emit.”

Specialised equipment had to be brought in to safely handle and separate the contaminated metals.

Source of Adulteration Under Scrutiny

No similar contamination has been reported at other major temples, suggesting the issue may be localised. Authorities suspect vendors and jewellers operating near the pilgrimage route could be selling fake silver items to unsuspecting devotees.

The mint has raised concerns with the office of Manoj Sinha and the shrine board multiple times, but no formal action has been recorded so far.

In a communication cited by ET, officials warned: “It is deeply concerning that such unethical practices are being carried out… duping devotees who purchase silver articles… unaware of the presence of cadmium.”

Growing Public Health and Consumer Safety Concern

Beyond the financial loss, the issue raises wider concerns about where else such counterfeit “silver” products may be entering the market. Improper disposal or melting of cadmium-contaminated materials could lead to serious air and water pollution, affecting communities well beyond the temple premises. Officials now say stricter monitoring of vendors, greater public awareness, and stronger enforcement of safety standards are urgently needed to prevent further risks.

What You Should Keep in Mind

This whole episode is a bit of a wake-up call to be more careful when buying silver offerings. It’s worth double-checking authenticity, sticking to trusted sellers, and being wary of anything that seems unusually cheap, it’s often too good to be true.

As things unfold, the focus isn’t just on the financial scam anymore, but also on the real health risks that could be hiding behind what looks like a simple, sacred offering.