Cadmium

General Information

Cadmium (Cd) is a byproduct of zinc and lead smelting. It is a common pigment in organic based paints and is used in the production of nickel-based rechargeable batteries and tobacco products. Breathing the fumes of acdmium vapours leads to nasal epithelial damage and pulmonary congestion resembling chronic empysema.

A common source of chronic exposure to Cd is spray painting of organic based paints without the use of a protective breathing apparatus and as such, automobile repair mechanics represent a work group that has significant oppertunity for exposure to Cd.

Toxicity of Cd resembles other metals in that it effects the kidney. Renal dysfunction with proteinuria of slow onset (over a period of years) is the typical presentation.