Cadmium

Uses: Cadmium is used in a variety of consumer and industrial materials including electronics, batteries, pigments, plastic stabilizers, and metal coatings and alloys.

Health Effects: Wisconsin Department of Health provides a good summary of the child and human health concerns about Cadmium (exit DNR). Acute exposure to cadmium can result in acute chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Long-term effects of low-level exposure include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema in addition to chronic renal tubular disease. Cadmium may also cause hypertension and other cardiovascular effects as well as adverse effects on the skeletal system (Klaassen 1996). The IARC classifies cadmium as being carcinogenic to humans (IARC 1993).

Ecological Effects: Birds and mammals are relatively resistant to the acute effects of cadmium. However, chronic cadmium exposure can result in histological changes in kidney, liver, GI tract, testes, heart tissue, blood vessels and bone marrow. Chronic exposure can also lead to increased mortality, decreased growth and inhibited reproduction. In aquatic organisms, cadmium exposure can result in decreased growth, inhibited reproduction, immobilization and population alterations (Eisler 1985).

Trade Names: None