Cadmium: general information
Updated 14 August 2019
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Overview and uses
Cadmium is an element that is widely distributed in the earth’s crust (soil and rocks), air and water. Cadmium also exists as a number of compounds due to it combining with other elements, including oxygen to form cadmium oxide chlorine to form cadmium chloride or sulphur to form cadmium sulphate. Cadmium oxide is most commonly found in the air whereas cadmium chloride and cadmium sulphate dissolve in water.
Cadmium has previously been used in a number of consumer and industrial materials. However many of these uses are declining and are now heavily restricted in the EU.
Currently, the largest use of cadmium is in the production of nickel-cadmium batteries. Other uses include making conductors in electronic devices, pigments, stabilisers in plastics, in electroplating of other metals such as steel, iron and copper and in alloys for coating other materials.
Main points:
- it enters the environment from natural sources such as fires and volcanoes, but mostly through human activity such as burning fossil fuels
- food and cigarette smoke are the biggest sources of cadmium exposure for people in the general population
- welders or workers producing batteries or plastics may be exposed to cadmium
- breathing air with high levels of cadmium can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and flu-like symptoms; in severe cases it can cause lung damage
- ingestion of cadmium can cause irritation to the stomach with nausea and diarrhoea
- exposure to cadmium for a long period of time may result in damage to the kidneys and bones
- repeatedly breathing in cadmium over a long period of time may cause lung cancer
Cadmium and the environment
Cadmium is found naturally in the earths crust. It is distributed more widely throughout the environment by volcanoes and forest fires and human activities such burning of fossil fuels, use of phosphate fertilisers and industrial processes.
Cadmium may enter water and soil from industrial waste or waste from disposal plants.
Exposure to cadmium
Food and cigarette smoke are the biggest sources of cadmium exposure for people in the general population. Cadmium enters the food chain from the environment, with some foods accumulating more cadmium than others. In the UK the greatest sources of cadmium in the diet are cereals, vegetables and potatoes. Offal (for example livers and kidneys) and seafood contain more cadmium, however, people typically eat less of these foods so they do not contribute as much to total dietary exposure.
People can also be exposed by breathing air near where fossil fuels are burnt or near waste plants. Soil may also be a source of exposure to cadmium, especially for children.
Welders or workers producing batteries or plastics may be exposed to cadmium, although safe levels of exposure are enforced to protect workers. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.
How exposure to cadmium could affect your health
The presence of cadmium in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to cadmium by breathing or ingesting it. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
Breathing air with high levels of cadmium can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and flu-like symptoms (metal fume fever), which may occur some hours after the exposure. In severe cases, exposure can lead to lung damage extensive fluid loss, multiple organ failure and death. Levels of cadmium in the environment are typically not high enough to cause such effects.
Ingestion of cadmium can cause irritation to the digestive tract, with nausea and diarrhoea.
Ingestion of large amounts may result in effects on metabolism, swelling of the face and a build-up of fluid in the lungs. Cadmium may cause irritation in contact with the skin.
Exposure to cadmium for a long period of time may result in damage to the kidneys, bones and may cause cancer.
If you are exposed to cadmium
If you have any health concerns regarding exposure to cadmium seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
Cancer risk
The International Agency for the Research on Cancer classified cadmium and its compounds as being carcinogenic in humans. Breathing cadmium in the air can cause lung cancer, although ingesting cadmium is not believed to increase the risk of cancer.
Pregnancy and children
There is little evidence on the effects of exposure to cadmium during pregnancy. Therefore, is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions.
Children are likely to be affected in the same way as adults, following exposure to cadmium.
Disposal of cadmium batteries
Nickel-cadmium batteries are rechargeable batteries used in cordless tools, mobile phones, laptop computers and digital cameras. They should be recycled at a designated recycling centre. Further advice may be gained from your local authority.
Additional sources of information
HSE Cadmium and you
NHS.UK information on poisoning