The hazards of cadmium in man and animals

Abstract

The health hazards of cadmium have attracted increased attention since the rock‐soil‐plant‐animal‐man relationship became better known, and when it was realized that low doses are cumulative over a very long time and that increasing industrial pollution may endanger the general population. Major sources are mining and smelting, metal coating, welding, incineration of refuse, fossil fuels and use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. Intoxication usually results from ingestion or inhalation, but the pathogenesis is not well understood. With chronic intoxication, the critical organ is the kidney, where one third of the body cadmium may accumulate. Apart from diseases so far recognized in man, a large number of pathological conditions have been produced in experimental animals, including congenital abnormalities, ovarian, testicular and brain lesions, as well as interference with the immune system. Their full significance for man is not yet known. Cadmium plays no useful role in the organism and its intake should be limited as much as possible, although being ubiquitous it cannot be completely eliminated. Legislation for maximum permissible levels in different food items was attempted, but is not workable and is not in the best interest of the consumer. Instead, the whole food basket of the consumer should be monitored to limit weekly intake to prescribed levels. In addition, hygienic measures should be encouraged, including cleaning, peeling or blanching of fruit and vegetables, removal of outer leaves of cabbage and lettuce to eliminate the effects of aerial pollution, discretion in using sewage sludge as fertilizer, washing hands and possibly avoiding excessive consumption of kidneys and livers.

Effects of cadmium on cocaine-induced changes in activity.

“…For many years, cadmium toxicity has been a concern in the industrial sector, especially in occupations related to mining operations (Winter, 1982) and electroplating (Goyer, 1986). More recently, it has become evident that health risks associated with cadmium contamination extend to a much greater segment of the population.…”

Effects of combined lead and cadmium exposure: Changes in schedule-controlled responding and in dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites.

“…Specifically, disturbances in dopamine and serotonin turnover that were produced by lead alone were attenuated by the cotreatment of cadmium and lead. Possible accounts of the apparent antagonism between cadmium and lead are discussed.Because lead and cadmium are chemicals that continue to present health-related threats to humans and biota (Lansdown & Yule, 1986;Winter, 1982), the scientific community has focused attention on the toxicologic correlates of these trace metals. Regarding the neurotoxic effects associated with exposure to these contaminants, experimental inquiry has centered on toxicant-induced changes in neurotransmission.…”

Effects of cadmium contamination on ethanol-induced changes in locomotor activity and rota-rod performance.

“…Although no causal data relating alcohol use to cadmium presence are available for human populations, correlational studies have clearly linked the two chemicals (Maranelli, Apostoli, & Ferrari, 1990; Shaper et al, 1982). Considering the burgeoning pollution problem in North America (Winter, 1982) and the continued widespread use of psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, we believe an experimental analysis of the role of toxicants in drug predilection seems appropriate. By increasing awareness of those environmental events that may influence drug selection, the prospects for effective treatment may improve.…”

“…Along with lead and mercury, cadmium ranks as a major concern among investigators of toxic metals (Klaassen, 1990). Principal exposure vectors of cadmium include fossil fuel combustion, occupational poisoning, and contaminated foodstuffs (Winter, 1982). Cadmium toxicity is also associated with the use of tobacco by humans, with one cigarette containing 1-2 jxg of the toxicant (Elinder et al, 1983).…”