Cadmium (Cd) is found in sulfide ores, along with zinc and lead. Exposure is common during the mining and smelting of zinc, copper, and lead. The metallic form of Cd is used in electroplating because of its anticorrosive properties, the metallic salts are used as pigments and stabilizers in plastics, and Cd alloys are used in soldering and welding and in nickel-cadmium batteries. Cd solder in water pipes and Cd pigments in pottery can be sources of contamination of water and acidic foods.

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   Mechanism of toxicity. Inhaled Cd is at least 60 times more toxic than the ingested form. Fumes and dust may cause delayed chemical pneumonitis and resultant pulmonary edema and hemorrhage. Ingested Cd is a GI tract irritant. Once absorbed, Cd is bound to metallothionein and filtered by the kidney, where renal tubule damage may occur. Cd is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1).

   
   
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   Toxic dose

   
   
   
   
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      Inhalation. The ACGIH-recommended threshold limit value (TLV-TWA) for air exposure to Cd dusts and fumes is 0.01 (inhalable fraction) to 0.002 (respirable dusts) mg/m3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Exposure to 5 mg/m3 inhaled for 8 hours may be lethal. The level considered immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) for Cd dusts or fumes is 9 mg of Cd per cubic meter.

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