Cadmium is a metal used in batteries, solar cells, alloys, pigments, and more.
Cadmium poisoning triggers when someone ingests or inhales contaminated food, water, or air.
Cadmium Poisoning Symptoms
Symptoms of cadmium poisoning differ depending on whether you inhaled or ingested the metal.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
However, cigarette smoking can also expose you to cadmium over the long term.
People who work in cadmium-related industries may inhale cadmium because of dust or fumes in the work area.
A regular person is more likely to be poisoned with cadmium through contaminated food or water.
Some plants, like tobacco, are more likely to take up cadmium from the soil than others.
Since cadmium can travel long distances once airborne, it can be challenging to pinpoint the contaminating source.
In the case of chronic exposure, preventative measures are vital.
In such cases, inhalation may be fatal.
Thankfully, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this rarely occurs.
Other potential chronic effects include:
Summary
Cadmium is a naturally-occurring metal.
Cadmium poisoning involves ingesting or breathing in contaminated food, drinks, or air.
Theres no antidote for cadmium poisoning, but its possible to treat and manage symptoms.
Its essential to follow workplace guidelines put in place to reduce chronic exposure to harmful substances like cadmium.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.Cadmium.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry.Toxicological profile for cadmium.
2020;17(11):3782. doi:10.3390/ijerph17113782
National Cancer Institute.Cadmium.
2018;11(1):2. doi:10.3390/nu11010002
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Heavy metal poisoning.
2017;8(3):135-145. doi:10.22088/cjim.8.3.135
Environmental Protection Agency.Cadmium compounds.
