Cadmium toxicity occurs when a person breathes in high levels of cadmium from the air, or eats food or drinks water containing high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal, but it is usually present in the environment as a mineral combined with other elements (eg, oxygen, chlorine, sulfur). Either short-term or long-term exposure to cadmium can cause serious health problems. If you suspect you have been exposed to cadmium, contact your doctor immediately.
Most cadmium used in the US is a byproduct of the productions of metals such as zinc, lead, and copper. It is also found in the following consumer products:
When cadmium enters the air, it binds to small particles. It falls to the ground or water as rain or snow, and may contaminate fish, plants, and animals. Improper waste disposal and spills at hazardous waste sites may cause cadmium to leak into nearby water and soil.
Having skin contact with cadmium is not known to cause health problems, but the following exposures to cadmium can cause serious health problems:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Anyone can develop cadmium toxicity as a result of cadmium exposure. Certain people are more likely to be exposed to cadmium. The following factors increase your chances of being exposed to cadmium. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
Eating food or drinking water contaminated with high levels of cadmium can result in:
Breathing in cadmium can result in:
There is no conclusive evidence that cadmium can cause lung cancer but, as a precaution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified cadmium as a probable human carcinogen in humans.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
There is no effective treatment for cadmium toxicity. Avoid exposure. Your treatment will be designed to help manage and relieve your symptoms. You may be given vitamin D for the weak bones.
To help reduce your chances of getting cadmium toxicity, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
US Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ccohs.ca/
References:
Cadmium compounds. Environmental Protection Agency website. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/cadmium.html . Accessed February 21, 2006.
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine . 16th ed. McGraw Hill; 2005.
Public health statement for cadmium. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website. Available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs5.html . Accessed February 21, 2006.
Safety and health topics: cadmium. US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration website. Available at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cadmium/ . Accessed February 21, 2006.
ToxFAQs for cadmium. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website. Available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts5.html . Accessed February 21, 2006.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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