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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
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Cadmium
An Associated Press report released in January 2010 highlighted an increasing trend of overseas manufacturers to use cadmium in their children's products as a result of stricter enforcement of regulations barring lead from being included in those products. With this trend, children may also be exposed to cadmium by playing with or sucking/chewing on toys containing cadmium. As of the date of that AP report, there were no regulations restricting this practice, despite the known health risks to children.
What it is
Cadmium is a natural element found in the earth's crust, usually in combination with other elements.
Where is it found
Cadmium is most often extracted in conjunction with other metals, and used in batteries, pigments, metal coatings, and plastics. It does not break down in the environment, but it does change forms. Cadmium enters the environment (air, soil and water) from mining, industry, and burning coal and household wastes. Fish, plants and animals all can take up cadmium from their environment.
Health Effects
Breathing in cadmium can severly damage the lungs, while eating or drinking it can irritate the stomach causing vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term exposure can cause kidney disease, severe lung damage, and fragile bones. Cadmium is also a known carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer. Animal studies suggest that children may absorb more of the cadmium they are exposed to than adults, and that fetal exposure can cause reduce body weight and affect skeletal growth.
How we are exposed
Humans are exposed to cadmium by eating foods containing it, smoking or breathing in tobacco smoke, breathing contaminated air in the workplace (i.e. places that use or process cadmium), drinking contaminated water, or living near industrial facilities that release cadmium into the air. If a parent works with cadmium, their children can be exposed to cadmium from contact with their skin, clothes, tools, or car (if preventive actions are not taken to avoid it).
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