Exposure to cadmium: a major public health concern

Overview

Cadmium exerts toxic effects on the kidney, the skeletal system and the respiratory system and is classified as a human carcinogen. It is generally present in the environment at low levels; however, human activity has greatly increased levels in environmental media relevant to population exposure. Cadmium can travel long distances from the source of emission by atmospheric transport. It is readily accumulated in many organisms, notably mollusks and crustaceans. Lower concentrations are found in vegetables, cereals and starchy roots. Human exposure occurs mainly from consumption of contaminated food, active and passive inhalation of tobacco smoke, and inhalation by workers in a range of industries. National, regional and global actions are needed to decrease global environmental cadmium releases and reduce occupational and environmental exposure.