Understanding the Health Impacts of Cadmium Exposure

With the world full of dangerous chemicals that people breathe in every day, you want to avoid them where you can. Cadmium is a chemical found in places like cigarette smoke, so it isn't easy to avoid. But, it can be very harmful to your health so it's important to stay away from it when possible.

When you know the risks of cadmium exposure, you can take the right steps to stay away from it. Learn more about the effects of cadmium exposure on human health below.

Sources of Cadmium Exposure

Cadmium can enter the human body in a wide variety of different ways. It can be ingested or inhaled. There are some areas where it's more likely you could be exposed to cadmium than others.

Occupational Settings

People who work in industries that make batteries could experience cadmium exposure. Those who work with welding may also have a high risk of being exposed to cadmium.

The chemicals involved in this kind of work can produce cadmium that may be inhaled or accidentally ingested. That's why PPE, particularly face masks, is vital for those working in these industries.

Cigarette Smoke

Tobacco plants absorb cadmium from the soil. When this tobacco is turned into cigarettes, the cadmium remains in the product and smokers inhale it.

Health Effects of Cadmium Exposure

Cadmium is a cumulative toxin, meaning it builds up in the body over time. It's important to avoid it where possible. There are several dangerous cadmium effects you should know about.

Kidney Damage

Cadmium is most often stored in the kidneys, where it can cause irreversible damage. Long-term exposure to cadmium leads to kidney dysfunction. It may also cause renal failure and an increased risk of developing kidney stones.

Ingested cadmium is usually passed from the body through urine. If there is a lot of cadmium in the body, your kidneys may have a difficult time passing it. All this extra strain on your kidneys may damage them and they could function less well in the future.

Respiratory Disorders

Cadmium may be accidentally inhaled or sucked into the lungs through cigarette smoke. The particles in cadmium are highly irritating to the whole respiratory system and can cause lung damage.

If you've inhaled cadmium, you may experience a lot of coughing or even get bronchitis. Long-term cadmium exposure may contribute to the development of lung cancer.

Bone Damage

Cadmium is seriously disruptive to bone density. It replaces bone tissue which can cause bones to become weaker and unable to heal after a break.

Prolonged exposure to cadmium has links with an increased risk of osteoporosis. This is a condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones.

Cadmium exposure can disrupt the intricate processes of bone formation and remodeling. It interferes with the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation.

Additionally, cadmium can inhibit osteoclasts, the cells involved in bone resorption and remodeling. This further compromises the normal turnover of bone tissue.

After cadmium exposure, bones become more fragile. This makes them susceptible to fractures even with minor trauma or stress.

Cardiovascular Effects

Studies suggest a link between cadmium exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. These may include hypertension and heart disease. The exact mechanisms behind this association are still under investigation.

Cadmium disrupts the normal electrical activity of the heart. It does so by interfering with ion channels. These disturbances can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and life-threatening complications.

The endothelium, a layer of cells lining the blood vessels, plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular health. Cadmium exposure has been linked to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the development of vascular abnormalities.

Neurodevelopmental Effects

Exposure to cadmium during pregnancy is dangerous. It can lead to long-lasting neurological consequences.

Prenatal exposure to cadmium may cause cognitive impairments. This can result in learning difficulties and behavioral problems in children.

The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of cadmium. Exposure to cadmium at this stage can interfere with important brain-growth processes.

Oxidative Stress

Cadmium induces oxidative stress in the brain. It disrupts the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Excessive production of ROS leads to damage to certain cellular components. This might include lipids, proteins, and DNA. All these contribute to neurodegenerative processes.

Cadmium exposure may lead to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. It can also cause Alzheimer's disease.

Disruption of Neurotransmitter Function

Cadmium can disrupt the normal functioning of neurotransmitters. These are the chemical messengers that allow communication between neurons in the brain.

It may interfere with the release, uptake, and metabolism of certain neurotransmitters. These include dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate.

These disruptions can result in imbalances in brain signaling pathways. This impacts mood regulation, cognition, and brain function.

Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a barrier between the bloodstream and the brain. It's important for regulating the entry of substances into the brain.

Cadmium exposure is harmful to the BBB. It makes it easier for toxic substances to enter the brain. This disruption can trigger neuroinflammation, contributing to neurological disorders.

Impaired Memory and Cognitive Function

Cadmium exposure may cause impairments in memory. Chronic exposure to cadmium can lead to deficits in spatial memory. It also impairs learning ability and attention.

This may not occur unless the exposure is very prolonged. Regardless, cadmium should be avoided when possible.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

Reducing cadmium exposure is key to protecting human health. Here are some preventive measures individuals and society can take.

Occupational Safety

Employers should regularly check building sites for cadmium exposure. They must ensure proper PPE is available and that employees have access to ventilation. Employees should adhere to safety protocols and receive appropriate training.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients helps reduce cadmium absorption. Calcium and iron are particularly important to lessen the effects of cadmium exposure.

If you are a smoker, quitting will also reduce your cadmium intake.

Water and Food Safety

Drinking water sources should be checked for cadmium. This is important in areas where there is a lot of industrial work.

Environmental Regulations

Governments and regulatory bodies should enforce strict limits on cadmium emissions and pollution. They must be particularly stern in industries known to release this heavy metal into the environment.

Reduce Cadmium Exposure Where You Can

Cadmium exposure poses significant risks to human health. Potential effects range from kidney damage to respiratory disorders. It also leads to bone damage and cardiovascular issues.

It's important to know these sources if you are an employer. For more information on workplace compliance, contact us here.