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Review
. 2023 Sep 14;28(18):6620.
doi: 10.3390/molecules28186620.

Cadmium Toxicity and Health Effects-A Brief Summary

Angelika Edyta Charkiewicz  1 , Wioleta Justyna Omeljaniuk  2 , Karolina Nowak  3 , Marzena Garley  4 , Jacek Nikliński  1
Affiliations
Review

Cadmium Toxicity and Health Effects-A Brief Summary

Angelika Edyta Charkiewicz et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a ductile metal in the form of a blueish or silvery-white powder. It is naturally found in soil (about 0.2 mg/kg), minerals, and water. Cd belongs to the group of toxic, carcinogenic, and stimulating elements. Its biological half-life in the human body ranges from 16 to even 30 years on average. Some lung diseases (such as emphysema, asthma, and bronchitis) and high blood pressure are thought to be related to slow poisoning. The symptoms of cadmium poisoning may vary depending on the time of exposure, the type of diet, and the age and health status of the exposed people. For non-smokers and non-occupational exposures, the only source of exposure is diet. The FAO/WHO recommends that the tolerable cadmium intake for an adult is approximately 0.4-0.5 mg/week (60-70 µg per day). Cadmium is primarily absorbed through the respiratory system (about 13-19% of Cd from the air), but it can also enter through the digestive system (about 10-44%), when dust is mixed and swallowed with saliva. The amount of accumulated Cd ranges from 0.14 to 3.2 ppm in muscles, 1.8 ppm in bones, and 0.0052 ppm in the blood. People who are most frequently exposed to heavy metals should be continuously monitored in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as well as to implement effective preventive measures and improve public health.

Keywords: cadmium; exposure and absorption; poisoning and effects; toxic element.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 4
Figure 4
Cadmium in topsoil (called A Horizon) across the United States [66,72]. Distribution of cadmium (Cd) in the soil A Horizon, conterminous United States (LLD—lower limit of determination; number below LLD—1054; MAD—median absolute deviation (ND, not determined); CV—coefficient of variation (ND, not determined); mg/kg—milligrams per kilogram) [66].
Figure 1
Figure 1
Cadmium exposure leading to the development of smoking-related lung diseases.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sources of cadmium and its most significant effects on different parts of the human body.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Annual mean Cd concentrations in 2018 in Europe [64].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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