Cadmium: general information
Updated 25 October 2024
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Overview
Cadmium is an element that is widely distributed in the Earth’s crust (soil and rocks), air and water. Cadmium also exists as several 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.
Uses of cadmium
Cadmium has previously been used in several 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.
How cadmium gets into the environment
Cadmium is found naturally in the Earth’s crust. It is distributed more widely throughout the environment by volcanoes and forest fires and human activities such as burning 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 can 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 and bones and may cause cancer.
Cadmium and cancer
The International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC) 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 the unborn child
There is little evidence on the effects of exposure to cadmium during pregnancy. Therefore, is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions.
Children
Children are likely to be affected in the same way as adults, following exposure to cadmium.
How to dispose 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.
What to do 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.
Additional sources of information
Health and Safety Executive: Cadmium and you
NHS Choices: Poisoning
UK Teratology Information Service: Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.
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