Poisoning that is caused by the inhalation or ingestion of cadmium. Cadmium may be accidentally inhaled in fumes from melting, welding, or other industrial processes that involve soldering. Ingestion or breathing in of the cadmium used in photography or engraving causes serious symptoms, such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, and headache. Kidney disease and liver damage are also possible. Treatment of acute cadmium poisoning includes decontamination, chelation therapy, and intravenous fluids.
Cadmium poisoning is a recognised hazard in certain industrial processes, such as the manufacture of alloys, cadmium plating and glass blowing. Sewage sludge, which is used as fertiliser, may be contaminated by cadmium from industrial sources; such cadmium could be taken up into vegetable crops and cadmium levels in sewage are carefully monitored. Cadmium contamination of food is also a likely source of poisoning. The EU Directive on the Quality of Water for Human Consumption lays down 5 milligrams per litre as the upper safe level. Acute exposure causes gastroenteritis and pneumonitis. Long-term exposure can lead to emphysema, renal failure and urinary-tract calculi.
Cadmium, a metal resembling tin, possesses toxic properties that can have detrimental effects on the human body. Inhalation of cadmium fumes in industrial settings poses a significant hazard, and the impact on individuals varies based on the duration and severity of exposure. Poisoning can also occur through the consumption of vegetables cultivated in soil rich in cadmium or by ingesting food and beverages stored in containers lined with cadmium. These routes of exposure can lead to cadmium poisoning, emphasizing the importance of being cautious about potential sources of contamination.
Brief exposure to cadmium can result in pneumonitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the lungs. Prolonged exposure to cadmium, on the other hand, can lead to the formation of urinary tract calculi (stones), kidney failure, or emphysema, a condition that causes permanent damage to the lungs. It is crucial to minimize exposure to cadmium and take appropriate safety measures to prevent these adverse health outcomes.