Cadmium, atomic number 48, is a transition metal in IUPAC group 12 of the modern periodic table. In its pure atomic form, it is a bluish solid at room temperature. It is readily oxidized to a divalent ion, Cd2+. Naturally occurring cadmium commonly exists as cadmium sulfide (CdS), a trace contaminant of zinc-containing ores.39
Cadmium sulfide, cadmium oxide, and other cadmium-containing compounds are refined to produce elemental cadmium, which is used for industrial purposes. When combined with other metals, cadmium forms alloys of relatively low melting points, which accounts for its extensive use in solders and brazing rods. Today, cadmium is primarily used as a reagent in electroplating and in the production of nickel-cadmium batteries. Other uses of cadmium include as a pigment in patient and as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors. Cadmium salts were once also used as veterinary antihelminthics.14
As cadmium processing has increased, so has the incidence of cadmium toxicity. Cadmium toxicity usually occurs after environmental, occupational, or hobby work exposure.
Environmental exposure to cadmium generally occurs through the consumption of foods grown in cadmium-contaminated areas. Because cadmium is fairly common as an impurity in ores, areas where mining or refining of ores takes place are the most likely to contain cadmium-contaminated soil.
In the 1950s, a mine near the Jinzu River basin in Japan discharged large amounts of cadmium into the environment, contaminating the rice that was a staple of the local food supply. An epidemic of painful osteomalacia followed, affecting hundreds of people, particularly postmenopausal multiparous women.70 The afflicted were prone to develop pathologic fractures, and were reported to call out “itai-itai” (“ouch-ouch”) as they walked because of the severity of their pain.30 These symptoms were ultimately linked to cadmium, and the event came to be known as the Itai-Itai epidemic. Less consequential environmental cadmium exposures are also reported from Sweden,49 Belgium,12 and China.51 Smokers have higher blood cadmium concentrations than nonsmokers,96 probably as a result of contamination of soil where the tobacco is grown. This is noteworthy, in that cadmium and tobacco are reported to be synergistic causes of chronic pulmonary disease.66
Occupational and Hobby Exposure
Welders, solderers, and jewelry workers who use cadmium-containing alloys are at risk for developing acute cadmium toxicity due to inhalation of cadmium oxide fumes. Other workers who do not work with metals per se are at risk for chronic cadmium toxicity through exposure to cadmium-containing dust.
Hobbyists who work with cadmium solders have exposures similar to occupational metalworkers. Significant cadmium toxicity in this population is usually the result of metalworking in a closed space with inadequate ventilation and/or improper respiratory precautions.