Cadmium

Cadmium is a heavy metal produced during the smelting of other metals, such as zinc, lead and copper. It is most often used to make nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries found in mobile phones and cordless equipment. It is also used in metal plating, some paints, plastics and fertilizers, and is found in cigarette smoke.

Most exposure to cadmium happens in workplaces where cadmium products are made. The general population can be exposed through cigarette smoke or by eating cadmium-contaminated foods. Cadmium can affect the kidneys, lungs and bones.

High-risk occupations and hobbies#

Some occupations and hobbies involve direct contact with cadmium and carry a higher risk of exposure, including:

• Cadmium battery manufacture.
• Welding or soldering.
• Smelting and mining.
• Textile work.
• Cadmium alloy manufacture or use.
• Manufacture of materials that contain cadmium, such as certain paints and plastics.
• Jewelry making and stained glass window making.
• Municipal solid waste recovery work.

Other sources of exposure#

• Cigarette smoking – cigarettes contain cadmium, which smokers inhale. Smokers may receive about twice the daily dose of cadmium as non-smokers, and people breathing in second-hand smoke can also inhale cadmium.
• Food – the kidneys and livers of animals, and shellfish, can contain higher levels of cadmium than other foods.
• Industrial areas – some industrial processes, such as metal smelting, release cadmium into the air. Controls are placed on industry to limit emissions and protect public health.
• Fertilized soils – in agricultural areas, phosphate-fertilized soils may contain higher levels of cadmium than unfertilized soils.

It is unlikely that the general population would be exposed to a level of cadmium high enough to cause adverse health effects.

Health effects of exposure#

The health effects of cadmium depend on how a person is exposed, how much enters the body, how long the exposure lasts, and how the body responds. Once cadmium enters the body, it is stored in the liver and kidneys and then slowly excreted in urine.

Inhalation of cadmium#

Inhalation is the main way workers are exposed to cadmium. Safe exposure levels and standards are enforced to protect workers’ health, and these standards are set below the levels thought to cause adverse effects.

Breathing air with high levels of cadmium over a short period at first causes flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever and muscle pain, and can later cause lung damage, shortness of breath, chest pain and cough, which may lead to death in severe cases. Breathing lower levels over a longer period can lead to kidney disease and weaken the bones.

Ingestion of cadmium#

Eating food or drink contaminated with high levels of cadmium can cause stomach irritation, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Headaches and flu-like symptoms, swelling of the throat and tingling hands may also occur.

Only a small amount of cadmium remains in the body after eating contaminated food, but consuming it over a long period can lead to kidney disease and weaken the bones. Large amounts of cadmium can damage the kidneys, liver and heart, and in severe cases may cause death.

Effects on children and babies#

Children exposed to cadmium are expected to have similar symptoms to adults. Small amounts of cadmium may be found in the breastmilk of women who were exposed to high levels. Mothers exposed to high levels at work may have children with lower birth weights, but exposure at normal environmental levels is not likely to cause low birth weight.

Cancer#

Cadmium and its compounds are classified as causing cancer, but there is no evidence that cadmium causes cancer at the low levels normally found in the environment. Breathing cadmium in the air can cause lung cancer, but ingesting contaminated food or drink is not thought to cause cancer.

Testing and treatment#

If you think you have been exposed to high levels of cadmium, seek advice from your doctor.

Urine or blood tests can measure cadmium levels in the body, and tests are also available to check the health of the kidneys and liver. The accuracy of hair and nail tests in measuring cadmium exposure has not been established.

There is no specific treatment for cadmium poisoning, but supportive medical care may be needed. For people exposed to lower levels over a longer period, reducing the risk of further exposure is the most important step.

Reducing the risk of exposure#

• Stop smoking, as cigarette smoke contains cadmium that can be absorbed through the lungs, and try to avoid inhaling other people’s smoke.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with only moderate amounts of shellfish and organ meats.
• If your job or hobbies involve handling cadmium, always use appropriate personal protective equipment and consider having your cadmium levels checked regularly by your doctor.

Cadmium batteries#

Common alkaline batteries do not contain cadmium. However, nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries used in mobile phones, cordless tools, laptop computers and digital cameras do contain cadmium. These batteries and equipment should be disposed of at appropriate waste disposal sites.

Key points#

• It is unlikely that the general population would be exposed to a level of cadmium high enough to cause adverse health effects.
• Inhalation is the main way workers are exposed to cadmium.
• Workplace exposure standards are set below the levels thought to cause adverse effects.
• Headaches and flu-like symptoms, swelling of the throat and tingling hands may also occur.
• Large amounts of cadmium can damage the kidneys, liver and heart, and in severe cases may cause death.

Where to get help#