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. It is usually present in the environment as a mineral combined with other elements like oxygen, chlorine, or 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 right away.
Most cadmium used in the United States is a by-product of the production of metals like zinc, lead, and copper. It is also found in the following products:
When cadmium enters the air, it binds to small particles. It falls to the ground or into water in 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:
Anyone can develop cadmium toxicity as a result of cadmium exposure. Factors that increase your chances of being exposed to cadmium include:
Eating food or drinking water contaminated with high levels of cadmium can result in:
Breathing in cadmium can result in:
Lung Damage from Toxic Inhalation
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There is no conclusive evidence that cadmium can cause lung cancer, but as a precaution, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has classified cadmium as a probable carcinogen in humans.
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:
There is no effective treatment for cadmium toxicity. Your treatment will be designed to help manage and relieve your symptoms.
To help reduce your chances of cadmium toxicity:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Environmental Protection Agency
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Cadmium compounds. Environmental Protection Agency website. Available at: https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/cadmium.html. Accessed March 8, 2016.
Cadmium poisoning. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114744/Cadmium-poisoning. Updated July 8, 2013. Accessed September 26, 2016.
Cadmium and cadmium compounds. OEHHA website. Available at: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/cadmium-and-cadmium-compounds. Updated May 2016. Accessed August 16, 2016.
Public health statement for cadmium. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website. Available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=46&tid=15. Updated January 21, 2015. Accessed March 8, 2016.
Safety and health topics: cadmium. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration website. Available at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cadmiumhttps://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cadmium. Accessed March 8, 2016.
ToxFAQs for cadmium. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website. Available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=47&tid=15. Updated April 2, 2013. Accessed March 8, 2016.
Last reviewed March 2016 by James Cornell, 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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