Cadmium (Cadmium) is a heavy metal with a bluish-white shine and soft texture. It is used in various industries, such as zinc plating, alkaline battery production, and pigment manufacturing. Cadmium can enter the body through the respiratory and digestive systems. Cadmium is a heavy metal that is slowly excreted from the body, leading to long-term accumulation over many years and causing harm to multiple organs.

What Are the Dangers of Cadmium to the Body?

When exposed to toxic levels of cadmium, the following symptoms may occur:

• Anemia.

• Headaches.

• Loss of smell.

• Increased risk of infertility.

• Higher chances of cancers such as kidney cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer.

Long-term cadmium accumulation in the body can cause “Itai-itai Disease” (first identified in Japan). Symptoms include:

• Bone pain, brittle and deformed bones (especially the spine).

• Yellow teeth.

• Fatigue, weight loss, chronic cough.

• Anemia, kidney failure, and even death.

How Is Cadmium Poisoning Treated?

1. Supportive Care:

   • Symptomatic treatment and prevention of complications such as kidney failure or respiratory failure.

2. Specific Treatment:

   • For acute poisoning, calcium disodium edetate (a chelating agent) may be administered intravenously to bind and remove cadmium from the body, potentially reducing the severity of poisoning.

How Can We Protect Ourselves from Cadmium?

• Avoid direct contact with cadmium.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to cadmium-contaminated areas.

• Avoid consuming food and water from cadmium-polluted sources.

• Do not use containers contaminated with cadmium.

• Quit smoking.

• Wear toxic-resistant masks when entering areas with airborne cadmium.