Cadmium is a naturally occurring element in the Earth’s crust usually found as a mineral combined with other elements such as oxygen, chlorine, or sulfur. All soils and rocks contain some cadmium, and most of it is extracted during the production of other metals such as zinc, lead, and copper. Because it does not corrode easily, cadmium has many uses including batteries, pigments, metal coatings, and plastics.

Cadmium can enter the soil and/or water from waste disposal sites and spills or leaks at hazardous waste facilities. Fish, plants, and animals can take up cadmium from their environment. One can ingest foods containing cadmium, which is found in all food at low levels but is highest in things such as shellfish, liver, and kidney meats. One can also drink contaminated water. Cadmium can stay in the body for a very long period of time and can accumulate over years of exposure.

Cadmium can enter the air from mining, industry, and burning coal and household wastes, and the particles can travel long distances before falling to the ground or water. One can breathe in cadmium from contaminated workplace air (those industries most at risk are battery manufacturing, metal soldering, and welding). One can also breathe in contaminated air near the burning of fossil fuels or municipal waste.

Cigarette smoking doubles the average daily intake of cadmium.

Cadmium-based artists’ paints can also be a source of exposure.

Inhaling high levels of cadmium can severely damage the lungs and may cause death in extreme situations. Ingesting food or water with very high cadmium levels can severely irritate the stomach, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Since cadmium can accumulate in the kidneys, kidney disease may result after long-term exposure to low levels of cadmium, whether through contaminated air, food, or water. Other possible long-term effects are lung damage and fragile bones.