Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have issued guidance regarding the carcinogenicity of cadmium and its compounds. These bodies classify cadmium as a known human carcinogen, based on substantial evidence of its ability to cause cancers in both experimental animals and humans. The evidence primarily links cadmium exposure to an increased risk of lung cancer, with some studies suggesting associations with cancers of the prostate, kidneys, pancreas, and urinary bladder. The NTP and IARC base their evaluations on epidemiological studies and experimental data from animal models, highlighting the genotoxicity of cadmium and its potential to induce DNA damage, cell cycle disruption, and cancerous growth.
Who is affected?
The groups most affected by cadmium exposure include workers in industries where cadmium is produced, processed, or utilized, such as battery manufacturing, metal smelting, electroplating, and the production of pigments. These workers face significant occupational exposure to cadmium dust and fumes. Additionally, people living near industrial sites, including smelters and coal-burning plants, are at risk due to environmental contamination. Cadmium is also present in food, particularly in rice and leafy vegetables grown in contaminated soils, as well as in tobacco smoke, which significantly contributes to exposure among smokers.
Most important findings
Recent studies have reinforced the carcinogenicity of cadmium, showing that long-term exposure leads to cancers in multiple organs. In occupational settings, workers exposed to cadmium have shown higher rates of lung cancer, and recent epidemiological studies continue to support this association. The NTP has concluded that there is sufficient evidence of lung cancer risks among workers exposed to cadmium, with added concerns over prostate and kidney cancers. The genotoxic effects of cadmium, including oxidative stress, inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms, and gene expression disruptions, are central to its carcinogenic activity. While the IARC places cadmium in its highest risk category, as a Group 1 carcinogen, significant questions remain regarding the precise thresholds for safe exposure levels, with current data suggesting that even low-level, chronic exposure may contribute to health risks.
Key implications
For the food industry and public health sectors, cadmium exposure poses a significant concern due to its potential to accumulate in the food chain, particularly in crops grown in contaminated soils. The risks associated with cadmium in food products call for stricter regulations on cadmium levels in agricultural products and an increase in food safety monitoring to ensure compliance with international standards. Food certification programs must incorporate cadmium exposure risk management to mitigate contamination in foodstuffs, particularly in areas with high industrial activity. Additionally, regulatory alignment with global standards, such as the European Union’s restrictions on cadmium in electronic goods, is crucial for industry stakeholders to maintain compliance and protect public health. Occupational safety guidelines must also evolve to address emerging research on cadmium exposure and its health effects, ensuring that protective measures are in place for workers in high-risk environments.
Citation
Genchi, G., Sinicropi, M. S., Lauria, G., Carocci, A., & Catalano, A. (2020). The Effects of Cadmium Toxicity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 3782. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113782
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
