Cadmium Toxicity

Fancy regular clubbing crowded by dozens of smokers? How about staying with someone close who smokes regularly? What happen to those who have been smoking for years and years day in day out? Let's find out.

What is cadmium? It is a soft, silvery-white metal grouped with mercury, and appears to be a potent neurotoxin to the developing nervous system of the fetus and newborn baby. Like mercury, it is very reactive in the presence of the vital enzymes and proteins in the body. 

Cadmiun is found naturally in the environment, though never in its elemental state, usually in association with zinc. Some of the most common sources of cadmium in our environment are as a by-product of zinc smelting and burning of fossil fuels. It is also associated with mining operations, battery production, incineration of municipal waste, sludge-based fertilizers, etc. As a component of many disposable consumer goods, cadmium eventually ends up in landfills, much of which is burned, releasing this toxic substance into the atmosphere. 

The primary source pf exposure for most individuals who do not work in a cadmium-based industry is from food sources. Many leafy plants absorb cadmium from the soil, especially when sludge-based fertilizers are used. Organ meats and shellfish also contain significant amounts of cadmium. 

Inhalation of cadmium released from factories, landfill incineration, and cigarettes is the second major sources of exposure. Second-hand smoke is dangerous as well, and presents a particular danger to newborns and small children. Once cadmium enters the body, only approximately 5% is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract in adults, but newborns absorption is much higher, sometimes as much as 55%.

Toxicity in adults usually occurs in an industrial setting. For example, workers in cadmium-battery, plastics-manufacturing, paint, textile, are at increased risk. Exposure not related to occupation may come from many sources. As I mentioned, smokers inhale significant amount of cadmium. A single pack of cigarettes can release up to 2ug of cadmium. I've friends and colleagues smoking up to 2 packs of cigarettes daily, and they have been practicing that dangerous habit for years now. 

Non-smokers are also at risk, While food represents the major source of exposure, clear plastic wrap used to cover dishes also contain cadmium and should not be microwaved or in any way heated. It should be safe in refrigerator. Drinking water can also be a source of cadmium, but the levels are relatively low. Like most metals, cadmium tends to accumulate in the body over time. 

Chronic exposure to cadmium, can also result in altered cadmium metabolism, leading to loss of calcium from the skeleton. This may cause walking to become painful due to brittle bones. Other common complaints include back and joint pains, rigid spine movements, etc. When it comes to calcium metabolism, cadmium is known to have profound effects, not only to the bone, but also in the nervous system where calcium is used as a signaling device. Cadmium can block this calcium channel, thereby, preventing the neuron from functioning properly.

Cadmium, has been shown also to reduce the production of seratonin in the brain. Cadmium affects the nervous system in many ways, including inhibiting important enzymes. And like so many heavy metals, cadmium not only increases free radical production, it also interferes with the brain ability to  neutralize free radicals. Most important of all, cadmium has the ability to lower the levels of glutathione in certain brain region. So, for those who has poor diet and deficient in nutrition such as vitamin E, C, antioxidants, carotenoids, you are at increased risk. 

Folks, I hope after reading this post about cadmium, you can reconsider about smoking and choose organic fertilized food when comes to buying food products.