Cigarette smoking cadmium toxicity

Cadmium is naturally present in the environment and is sometimes emitted from factories. It can be transferred from the soil to the plants that we eat and to tobacco used in cigarettes. The largest single source of cadmium exposure for humans is tobacco smoke, especially because the lungs absorb this toxic element [13]. 

Cadmium has an average concentration in the Earth s crust of 0.1-0.5 parts per million (ppm) [14]. It is a minor component in most zinc ores and is a zinc production by-product. Cadmium, which is naturally present in the environment, is sometimes emitted from factories. It can be transferred from the soil to the plants that we eat. As for plants, cadmium is taken up through their roots to the edible fruits and leaves. People are also exposed to cadmium when they consume contaminated animal food. In addition, cadmium is found in tobacco that is used in cigarettes. The largest single source of cadmium exposure for humans is tobacco smoke, especially because the lungs absorb this toxic element [14]. 

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