cadmium toxicity

Cadmium (Cd)

Cadmiumis insidiously toxic with chronic accumulations affecting kidney function, lungs, cardiovascular tissues, bone, and the peripheral nervous system. Without intervention, the biological half-life of Cadmium in humans exceeds 20 years (Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed, pp 2463-64). Chronic manifestations associated with this degree of Cadmium excess include: hypertension, weight loss, microcytic-hypochromic anemia, lymphocytosis (excess white blood cells), proteinuria (protein in the urine) with wasting of beta2 microglobulin, emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis (if inhalation was a route of contamination), atherosclerosis, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, lumbar (lower back) pain, and peripheral neuropathy. Acute inhalation of Cadmium dusts, fumes or soluble salts may produce cough, pneumonitis and fatigue. Manifestations of Cadium toxicity may be lessened or delayed by an individual’s protective and detoxication capacities. Zinc and vitamin E are protective; metallothionein and glutathione bind Cadmium and help detoxify initially. Smoking can be a source for as much as 0.1 mcg Cadmium per cigarette (HEW Pub. No. NIOSH 76-192, US Govt. Printing Ofc., 1976). Some medical authorities consider Cadmium to be a carcinogen for lung cancer (Harrison’s Principles, 13th ed, op. cit. pp 2463). Other occupational or environmental sources include: mining and smelting activities, pigments and paints, electroplating, electroplated parts (e.g., nuts and bolts), batteries (Ni-Cd), plastics and synthetic rubber, photographic and engraving processes, old drums from some copy machines, photoconductors and photovoltaic cells, and some alloys used in soldering and brazing. ”Cadmium Red” as used in dental acrylics (dentures) could be a significant source of exposure for those making dentures or dentists and dental technitians making fine tune adjustments (grinding) to dentures chair side. Cadmium free acrylic dentures are now available.

If you suspect that you have an elevated Cadmium level, it is important for you to know that a simple blood test is limited in only determining recent exposure to Cadmium. It will not show long term exposure or total tissue levels of Cadmium. Here at Chelation Medical Center we can do a provoked challenge, with a urine collection which will show your total body load of Cadmium, as well as other heavy metals. It is recommended you avoid smoking, and exposure to secondary smoke a few days prior to testing for Cadmium. Just give us a call.

Cadmium Toxicity