ToxFAQs^TM for Cadmium

Spanish: Cadmio

CAS#: 7440-43-9

PDF Versionpdf icon[239 KB]

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What is cadmium?

Cadmium is a naturally occurring metallic element that is silver-white or bluish-white in color. It is found in nature in several minerals, many times with zinc, copper, or lead. It occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust and ocean water. Common cadmium compounds included cadmium oxide, chloride, carbonate, sulfate, and sulfide.

Cadmium and compounds made from cadmium are used in many products. The main use is nickel-cadmium batteries. These types of batteries can be used in cellular phones and laptops; however, many electronics now use lithium-ion batteries instead. Cadmium is also used to color plastics, ceramics, and glasses and in the production of some plastics and metal mixtures. Recently, the use of cadmium in the manufacture of solar panels has increased. Cadmium is combined with telluride to create a semiconductor material that is known for its efficiency to convert sunlight into electricity.

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What happens to cadmium in the environment?

Cadmium can get into the environment from facilities that make or use this chemical. It is also released from natural sources, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and oceans. In the air, cadmium combines with particles that either settle to the ground or, if they are small, stay suspended in the air and can travel far distances with the wind.

Cadmium released into water or soil can stick to other particles. Some cadmium compounds may dissolve or be taken up by plant roots. Cadmium is expected to build up in plants and animals.

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How can I be exposed to cadmium?

For nonsmokers, the most common exposure to cadmium is through eating food with high levels of cadmium, such as leafy green vegetables, potatoes, grains, peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seeds, shellfish, or organ meats (e.g., liver, kidney). You may also breathe low levels in the air or drink water containing low levels of cadmium. Because cadmium is present in tobacco smoke, individuals who smoke, and those who live with smokers, will be exposed to higher levels of cadmium than nonsmokers.

People who live near a facility that manufactures or uses cadmium may be exposed to higher levels in the air or drinking water than the general population. If you make or use cadmium at work, your exposure may increase.

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How can cadmium affect my health?

Exposure to cadmium can damage the kidney and cause weak, brittle bones. Breathing cadmium is damaging to the lungs. Longterm exposure can cause cancer.

Breathing cadmium particles can cause breathing difficulty and cause damage to your nose, throat, and lungs over time. Repeated exposure to cadmium results in build-up of cadmium in the kidneys, which damages them. Weak, brittle bones are also associated with repeated exposure to cadmium.

Studies in animals indicate that exposure to cadmium during pregnancy and/or early life may damage the developing nervous system. Adverse effects observed in animal studies included alterations in learning and memory, social behavior, and sensory and motor function. These effects are presumed to be relevant for humans.

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Can cadmium cause cancer?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) classified cadmium and cadmium compounds as substances known to be human carcinogens.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified cadmium as a probably human carcinogen by inhalation route (note: this assessment was last updated in 1989).

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified cadmium and cadmium compounds as carcinogenic to humans.

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Can I get a medical test to check for cadmium?

Cadmium levels can be reliably measured in urine, blood, and feces. Cadmium levels in urine are the best estimate of the total amount of cadmium in your body and the best measure for exposure over time. Cadmium levels in blood indicate more recent exposures, while cadmium levels in feces specifically indicate recent oral exposures. These tests cannot predict whether you will have health problems from exposure to cadmium, and doctor’s offices do not routinely offer these tests.

If you think you have been exposed to this or any other chemical, talk to your doctor or nurse or call 1-800-222-1222 to be connected to your local poison control center.

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How can I protect myself and my family from cadmium?

Avoid smoking and keep away from areas where you or your children may be exposed to secondhand smoke. Safely dispose of household batteries and electronics containing batteries. Do not let your children play near facilities manufacturing or using cadmium. If you work in one of these facilities, make sure you follow all safety guidelines.

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For more information?

Call CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636, or submit your question online at
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/Form

Go to ATSDR’s Toxicological Profile for Cadmium:
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=48&tid=15

Go to ATSDR’s Toxic Substances Portal:
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/index.aspx

Find & contact your ATSDR Regional Representative at
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/regional-offices/index.html

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