鎘 Cadmium (Cd)
Cadmium (Cd)
*Cadmium (Cd) has no known essential physiological function in living organisms. On the contrary, it is highly toxic to the human body.
*Normal Range
Blood cadmium normal range: <5 μg/g CRE (The normal range may vary depending on exposure conditions.)
*Major Effects of Cadmium in the Human Body
-Absorption Pathways: Cadmium enters the body primarily through food, water, and air, particularly from contaminated seafood, rice, and tobacco smoke.
-Accumulation Organs: The main storage organs for cadmium in the human body are the kidneys and liver, but bones are also affected.
-Long Half-Life: The half-life of cadmium in the human body can range from 10 to 30 years, making it difficult to eliminate once absorbed.
*Toxicity and Health Effects
-Kidney Damage
Cadmium primarily affects the renal tubules, leading to proteinuria (presence of low-molecular-weight proteins in urine) and potentially progressing to kidney failure. Long-term exposure can cause calcium deposition in the kidneys, leading to kidney stones or worsening kidney function.
-Bone Diseases
Cadmium disrupts the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, leading to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. A notable example is Itai-Itai disease in Toyama, Japan, where cadmium pollution caused severe bone pain, fractures, and kidney failure.
-Respiratory Effects
Inhalation of cadmium dust or fumes (such as in industrial environments) can cause pulmonary edema, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer.
-Carcinogenicity
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies cadmium as a Group 1 carcinogen (confirmed to be carcinogenic to humans). Long-term exposure is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer.
-Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity
Cadmium may affect sperm quality and fetal development, increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
*Prevention and Control
-Avoid Contaminated Foods: Reduce consumption of seafood and rice contaminated with heavy metals; choose low-contamination sources.
-Quit Smoking: Tobacco is a major source of cadmium; smokers have higher cadmium levels in their bodies.
-Workplace Protection: Avoid exposure to cadmium dust; wear appropriate masks or protective equipment in high-risk environments.
-Nutritional Supplementation: Adequate intake of calcium, iron, and zinc can help reduce cadmium absorption.
*Conclusion
Cadmium poses serious health risks, particularly to the kidneys, bones, and respiratory system. Avoiding tobacco and exposure to cadmium-contaminated environments, along with using protective equipment in high-risk workplaces, can help reduce the risk.
*Cadmium (Cd) has no known essential physiological function in living organisms. On the contrary, it is highly toxic to the human body.
*Normal Range
Blood cadmium normal range: <5 μg/g CRE (The normal range may vary depending on exposure conditions.)
*Major Effects of Cadmium in the Human Body
-Absorption Pathways: Cadmium enters the body primarily through food, water, and air, particularly from contaminated seafood, rice, and tobacco smoke.
-Accumulation Organs: The main storage organs for cadmium in the human body are the kidneys and liver, but bones are also affected.
-Long Half-Life: The half-life of cadmium in the human body can range from 10 to 30 years, making it difficult to eliminate once absorbed.
*Toxicity and Health Effects
-Kidney Damage
Cadmium primarily affects the renal tubules, leading to proteinuria (presence of low-molecular-weight proteins in urine) and potentially progressing to kidney failure. Long-term exposure can cause calcium deposition in the kidneys, leading to kidney stones or worsening kidney function.
-Bone Diseases
Cadmium disrupts the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, leading to osteoporosis and osteomalacia. A notable example is Itai-Itai disease in Toyama, Japan, where cadmium pollution caused severe bone pain, fractures, and kidney failure.
-Respiratory Effects
Inhalation of cadmium dust or fumes (such as in industrial environments) can cause pulmonary edema, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer.
-Carcinogenicity
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies cadmium as a Group 1 carcinogen (confirmed to be carcinogenic to humans). Long-term exposure is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer.
-Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity
Cadmium may affect sperm quality and fetal development, increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
*Prevention and Control
-Avoid Contaminated Foods: Reduce consumption of seafood and rice contaminated with heavy metals; choose low-contamination sources.
-Quit Smoking: Tobacco is a major source of cadmium; smokers have higher cadmium levels in their bodies.
-Workplace Protection: Avoid exposure to cadmium dust; wear appropriate masks or protective equipment in high-risk environments.
-Nutritional Supplementation: Adequate intake of calcium, iron, and zinc can help reduce cadmium absorption.
*Conclusion
Cadmium poses serious health risks, particularly to the kidneys, bones, and respiratory system. Avoiding tobacco and exposure to cadmium-contaminated environments, along with using protective equipment in high-risk workplaces, can help reduce the risk.