Causes and Effects of Cadmium

Cadmium is a toxic metal that occurs naturally in the environment. Humans are exposed to cadmium mostly through plant-derived food. There is no safe margin of cadmium exposure and the need to lower human exposure is desperate. Cadmium produces a number of health problems and is a known carcinogen. In industry, it’s regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and it has a very low permissible exposure level.

The form of cadmium and the route of exposure can greatly affect the absorption and distribution of cadmium to various target sites, and therefore, the concentration at the target site and the severity of the observed effect. The mechanism of action, however, involves the cadmium cation’s effect on the target site, and the cation is the same regardless of the anionic species. For inhaled cadmium compounds, the size of the cadmium particle (i.e., fume or aerosol) can also affect the absorption and distribution. For oral exposures, cadmium chloride is most often tested in animal studies because of its high water solubility and the resulting high concentrations of cadmium delivered to target sites. Studies on cadmium bound to metallothionein are also of interest because cadmium-metallothionein complexes may have different toxic profiles and are found in relatively high levels in organ meats (e.g., liver and kidney).

Cadmium is of no use to the human body and is toxic even at low levels. The negative effects of cadmium on the body are numerous and can impact nearly all systems in the body, including cardiovascular, reproductive, the kidneys, eyes, and even the brain. Cadmium affects blood pressure. Cadmium affects prostate function and testosterone levels. Cadmium induces bone damage. Exposure to cadmium can affect renal and dopaminergic systems in children.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, cadmium induces multiple organ damage and one aspect of that is as a carcinogen. Research by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services confirms cadmium is linked to human pancreatic cancer.

Because of the prevalence of cadmium in industry and the environment, completely eliminating exposure is a very difficult task but there are steps you can take to reduce and counteract your exposure risks. Eat a healthy diet of organically grown fruit, vegetables, and meat to decrease absorption of cadmium. It may be a little more expensive, but your health is worth it. Get yourself tested to determine the level of cadmium in your body. If you feel your levels are too high, I suggest a chemical and toxic metal cleanse.