Why is cadmium so toxic?

Why is cadmium so toxic?

The liver and kidneys are extremely sensitive to cadmium's toxic effects. This may be due to the ability of these tissues to synthesize metallothioneins (MT), which are Cd-inducible proteins that protect the cell by tightly binding the toxic cadmium ions.

What foods are high in cadmium?

The food groups that contribute most of the dietary cadmium exposure are cereals and cereal products, vegetables, nuts and pulses, starchy roots or potatoes, and meat and meat products. Due to their high consumption of cereals, nuts, oilseeds and pulses, vegetarians have a higher dietary exposure.

What does cadmium do to humans?

Acute inhalation exposure (high levels over a short period of time) to cadmium can result in flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, and muscle pain) and can damage the lungs. Chronic exposure (low level over an extended period of time) can result in kidney, bone and lung disease.

How much cadmium is toxic?

An 8-hour TWA (time-weighted-average) exposure level of 5 mg/m has been estimated for lethal effects of inhalation exposure to cadmium, and exposure to 1 mg/m is considered to be immediately dangerous to human health (Friberg, 1950).

Which disease is caused by cadmium?

Itai-itai disease is caused by cadmium (Cd) exposure, produced as a result of human activities related to industrialisation, and this condition was first recognised in Japan in the 1960s. Itai-itai disease is characterised by osteomalaecia with severe bone pain and is associated with renal tubular dysfunction.

What happens if you touch cadmium?

Cadmium and its compounds are highly toxic and exposure to this metal is known to cause cancer and targets the body's cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems.

How do I reduce cadmium in my body?

Suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to cadmium include:

1. Stop smoking. ...
2. Try to avoid inhaling other people's cigarette smoke.
3. Eat a healthy balanced diet with only moderate amounts of shellfish and organ meats.

Why is there cadmium in chocolate?

Chocolate plants can absorb cadmium through its roots and store it in chocolate leaves and seeds. This absorption can be influenced by soil acidity and the amount of cadmium available in the soil. Therefore, geographical location can affect the cadmium content in plants.

Where is cadmium commonly found?

It is most often found in small quantities in zinc ores, such as sphalerite (ZnS). Cadmium mineral deposits are found in Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, Washington and Utah, as well as Bolivia, Guatemala, Hungary and Kazakhstan. However, almost all cadmium in use is a by-product of treating zinc, copper and lead ores.

What organs are affected by cadmium?

Ingestion of cadmium Large amounts of cadmium can damage the kidney, liver and heart and in severe cases may cause death.

What effect does cadmium have on the human body?

• The critical health effect of cadmium is on the kidneys where it damages the blood filtration system of the kidneys, which results in proteins being excreted in urine. The severity of the effects depends on duration and magnitude of exposure.

What are the harmful effects of cadmium?

• A very intense exposure may cause hemorrhaging of the digestive tract and severe damage to the liver, kidneys and heart, resulting in death. Inhalation of a high levels of cadmium can also cause severe, life-threatening effects on the lungs.

What is cadmium and what is it used for?

• It's commonly used as a pigment. The bluish-white metal that is known as cadmium is malleable, ductile and can easily be cut with a knife. Due to its excellence as an electrical conductor, cadmium is often used in electroplating and in batteries. Also, cadmium and solutions of its compounds are toxic and must be handled carefully.

What is cadmium and why is it special?

• Cadmium is a soft, malleable, ductile, silvery-white divalent metal. It is similar in many respects to zinc but forms complex compounds. Unlike most other metals, cadmium is resistant to corrosion and is used as a protective plate on other metals.