Cadmium is a silvery/gray metal by-product of zinc production and refining. It’s used in rechargeable batteries and color pigments that are often used in plastics. It is highly toxic and is known to cause birth defects and cancer. Cadmium generally stores in the kidneys, but can be found in the liver and bones also.
Sources
Air pollution, batteries, ceramic glazes/enamels, cigarette smoke (both first and second hand), tap and well water, food (if grown in cadmium-contaminated soil), fungicides, mines, paints, power and smelting plants, seafood.
Physiological Effects
Exposure to cadmium can occur through inhalation or ingestion in places or situations where cadmium products are used, manufactured, or ingested. Cigarette smoke is the biggest source of cadmium toxicity, which seems to affect the lungs, kidneys, bones, and immune system primarily. It may lead to lung cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease, and also causes yellow teeth and anemia. Cadmium also seems to contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease.
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