Cadmium Cas No. 7440-43-9

Cadmium

Cas No. 7440-43-9

Potential exposure

Cadmium (Cd) and cadmium compounds are typically used as a protective

coating for other metals; in the production of metal alloys; fluorescent lamps,

semiconductors, photocells, and jewelry; and in batteries, nuclear reactors,

engraving, and pesticides. Food and cigarette smoke are the largest potential

sources of cadmium exposure for the general population. Ingestion and

inhalation are primarily routes of exposure for cadmium. Average cadmium

levels in foods within the United States range from 2 to 40 ug/kg. The average

level of cadmium in cigarettes ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 ug/kg. Workers can be

exposed to cadmium via inhalation or dermal contact while soldering or welding

metal. Shellfish can be a major source of cadmium and can contain levels from

100 to 1,000 mg/kg.

Cadmium is also a concern in agricultural soils where sewage sludge is used

as compost because it is more readily taken up by plants than other metals. The

uptake of cadmium from soil by feed crops may result in high levels of cadmium

in beef and poultry (especially in the liver and kidneys).

Physical and chemical properties

Property

Value

Molecular weight

112.4

Toxicity

Acute inhalation of cadmium fumes or dust can cause destruction of lung

epithelial cells, resulting in pulmonary edema, tracheobronchitis, and

pneumonitis. As a result of breathing high cadmium levels, the acute toxicity can

range from a slight irritation of the upper respiratory tract to death. High-level

acute oral exposure to cadmium irritates the gastrointestinal epithleum causing

nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Breathing lower levels of cadmium for

long period of time can lead to accumulation of cadmium in the kidneys thus

causing severe kidney damage. Heavy smoking has been reported to

considerably increase tissue cadmium levels (Agency for Toxic Substances and

Disease Registry (ATSDR 1992)). Nonoccupational inhalation exposure to

cadmium is unlikely to be excessive enough to cause respiratory effects.

However, chronic inhalation exposure at lower levels can lead to decreased

pulmonary function and emphysema. Based on epidemiological and animal

studies, it appears that cadmium-induced emphysema is related only to cadmium

exposure via inhalation (USEPA 1985a).

D21

Appendix D Toxicological Profiles