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 article explores the harmful effects of cadmium exposure, detailing its sources, pathways of absorption, and its toxicological impacts on various organs in the human body. Cadmium, a heavy metal, is used in industrial processes such as battery production, metal plating, and the manufacturing of pigments and stabilizers. The review outlines how cadmium is absorbed into the human body through the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and dermal routes, with dietary intake being the most common source for the general population. However, workers in cadmium-related industries face significant risks through inhalation of cadmium fumes. The document provides an overview of cadmium’s harmful effects, particularly its impact on the kidneys, bones, lungs, and its carcinogenic potential, as it accumulates in tissues and disrupts normal biological functions.
Who is affected?
Occupational groups exposed to cadmium, such as workers in battery factories, metal smelting plants, and certain manufacturing industries, are at a higher risk of cadmium toxicity due to prolonged exposure. The general public, particularly those consuming cadmium-contaminated food or living near industrial areas, is also vulnerable. Smoking increases cadmium exposure, as tobacco contains significant amounts of the metal. Populations with high dietary cadmium intake, including individuals consuming crops grown in contaminated soils or seafood from polluted waters, are at particular risk. Additionally, those with nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of iron or calcium, may experience increased absorption of cadmium, further exacerbating health risks.
Most important findings
The study confirms that cadmium poses significant health risks through its ability to accumulate in the body over time, particularly in the kidneys, where it has a half-life of about 10 years. This leads to chronic kidney damage, which is a primary concern for those exposed to cadmium over extended periods. The article also discusses how cadmium disrupts bone metabolism, contributing to conditions like osteoporosis and kidney stones. The metal’s toxic effects extend to the respiratory system, where inhalation of cadmium-containing fumes can lead to pneumonitis, shortness of breath, and lung damage. Long-term exposure can result in serious diseases such as Itai-Itai disease, which involves severe bone pain, fractures, and skeletal demineralization. The carcinogenic potential of cadmium is highlighted, with studies showing links to lung and prostate cancers, particularly among those who have inhaled cadmium fumes. The review also discusses the impact of cadmium on reproductive health, particularly its effects on steroidogenesis and its role as a nonsteroidal estrogen in animal models.
Key implications
For industries dealing with cadmium, such as those in battery manufacturing or metal processing, stricter regulations and safety measures are needed to limit exposure and protect workers’ health. This includes the implementation of protective gear, regular health monitoring, and proper ventilation systems to minimize inhalation of cadmium fumes. For public health, there is an urgent need to regulate cadmium levels in food, water, and air to reduce exposure, especially in regions near industrial sites. Regulatory bodies should establish clear standards for cadmium limits in consumer products, particularly in food and drinking water, to mitigate its health risks. Public health campaigns should also focus on raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and the associated risk of cadmium exposure. Furthermore, policies should support the development of safer industrial practices, improved waste management strategies, and increased research into cadmium’s biological effects and effective remediation techniques.
Citation
Godt, J., Scheidig, F., Grosse-Siestrup, C. et al. The toxicity of cadmium and resulting hazards for human health. J Occup Med Toxicol 1, 22 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-1-22
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.
