Cadmium

Definition

Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48, primarily used in batteries, pigments, and coatings. Its significance in the context of human health arises from its toxic properties, as exposure to cadmium can lead to serious health issues, including kidney damage and bone fragility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cadmium is commonly found in the environment due to mining, industrial processes, and the use of fertilizers containing cadmium impurities.
2. Ingesting or inhaling cadmium can cause significant health issues such as lung damage, osteoporosis, and renal failure due to its accumulation in body tissues.
3. Workers in certain industries, such as battery manufacturing and metal plating, are at a higher risk of cadmium exposure and related health effects.
4. Regulations have been established to limit cadmium emissions and exposure in various settings to protect public health.
5. Cadmium has a long half-life in the human body, meaning it can remain for years after exposure, making its management critical for preventing chronic health conditions.

Review Questions

• Discuss the health implications of cadmium exposure and how it affects different organs in the body.
  • Cadmium exposure poses serious health risks, particularly affecting the kidneys and lungs. When inhaled or ingested, cadmium can lead to renal toxicity, resulting in impaired kidney function and increased risk of kidney disease. Additionally, it can cause lung damage due to its particulate form when present in air pollution. Long-term exposure may also lead to bone fragility due to cadmium's interference with calcium metabolism.
• Evaluate the environmental sources of cadmium and their impact on human health.
  • Environmental sources of cadmium include industrial activities such as mining and smelting, as well as agricultural practices that use contaminated fertilizers. These sources contribute to soil and water contamination, leading to bioaccumulation in food chains. As a result, humans may be exposed to cadmium through dietary intake or contaminated water sources, leading to adverse health effects that warrant public health interventions.
• Analyze the measures that can be taken to reduce cadmium exposure in occupational settings.
  • To minimize cadmium exposure in occupational settings, companies can implement stricter safety regulations such as using personal protective equipment (PPE), improving ventilation systems, and conducting regular monitoring of cadmium levels in the workplace. Additionally, training programs for workers about the dangers of cadmium and safe handling practices are essential. Legislative measures that limit permissible exposure levels and promote safer alternatives to cadmium-containing products also play a crucial role in reducing risks associated with this toxic metal.

Related terms

Heavy Metals: A group of metallic elements that have a high density and are toxic or poisonous at low concentrations, including cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Bioaccumulation: The process by which substances, such as cadmium, accumulate in living organisms over time, leading to higher concentrations than those found in their environment.

Renal Toxicity: The harmful effects of substances like cadmium on kidney function, which can result in various kidney-related diseases and dysfunctions.