Lung cadmium

Long-term damage by smaller quantities of dust or fumes may lead to loss of elasticity of the lungs. Cadmium may cause kidney damage and while it has been suggested that lung cancer may occur after cadmium exposure this has not been proved in man. 

Cadmium and certain compounds Kidney, prostate, lung... 

Zinc and cadmium have an oxidation number of +2 in all their compounds. Zinc is an essential element for human health. It is present in many enzymes and plays a role in the expression of DNA and in growth. Zinc is toxic only in very-high amounts. However, cadmium is a deadly poison that disrupts metabolism by-substituting for other essential metals in the body such as zinc and calcium, leading to soft bones and to kidney and lung disorders. 

Acute exposure to cadmium may lead to chemical pneumonitis and edema, but is rare nowadays (Herber 1994b). Chronic exposure to Cd affects mostly the renal tubules and the lung. Exposure to Cd can take place both in the occupational and environmental area. 

Gerhardsson L, Brune D, Nordberg GF, et al. 1986a. Distribution of cadmium, lead, and zinc in lung, liver, and kidney in long-term exposed smelter workers. Sci Total Environ 50 65-85. 

Laboratory studies with mice and rats have conclusively demonstrated that the injection of cadmium metal or salts causes malignancies (sarcoma) at the site of injection and testicular tumors. However, the simultaneous administration of zinc is protective against sarcoma and interstitial cell tumor development (USEPA 1980). In rats, no dose-related increases in tumors were found at maximum oral daily doses of 4.4 mg Cd/kg BW (USPHS 1993). Among humans, the available epidemiological evidence is not sufficient to conclude that cadmium is definitely implicated as a carcinogen (USEPA 1980 Nomiyama 1982), although cadmium exposure is associated with lung cancer in humans (Shimada et al. 1998). 

Mercury, lead, and cadmium can attack the central nervous system carbon tetrachloride and chlorinated phenols can destroy the liver ethylene glycol and cadmium sulfate produce kidney disease asbestos and beryllium lead to lung disorders and lead poisoning can cause mental retardation. 

Hertz-Picciotto I, Hu SW (1995) Contribution of cadmium in cigarettes to lung cancer An evaluation of risk assessment methodologies. Lung Cancer 12 116-116 Hickman JC (2000) Tetrachloroethylene. In Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. Available at http //www.mrw.interscience.wrley.com/emrw/9780471238966/kirk/article/ tetrhick.aO 1 /current/pdf... 

Cadmium (Cd) Lung, emphysema, kidney, calcium metabolism, possible lung carcinogen Shellfish, cigarette smoke, taken up by plants, metal alloy - welding... 

Cadmium is a widely distributed metal used in manufacturing and is present in a number of consumer products. Dietary exposure to cadmium is possible from shellfish and plants grown on cadmium-contaminated soils. Absorption is increased when associated with low levels of iron or calcium in the diet. Some plants, such as tobacco, can concentrate cadmium from even low levels in the soil. The lung readily absorbs cadmium, thus cigarette smokers have elevated cadmium exposure. Cadmium is also used as a metal alloy, in paint, and in batteries (Ni-Cad, nickel-cadmium). Workplace exposure can occur in welding and battery manufacture. 

Chronic exposure can result in obstructive lung disease, emphysema, and kidney disease. Cadmium may also be related to increases in blood pressure (hypertension) and is a possible lung carcinogen. Cadmium affects calcium metabolism and can result in bone loss. This condition has been referred to as Itai-Itai disease, which means Ouch-Ouch in Japanese and reflects the bone pain associated with cadmium effects on calcium. 

Cadmium Metal - naturally occurring - used in steel and plastics, batteries, cigarette smoke - lung carcinogen... 

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