9299. Cadmium

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal. A blood cadmium test is used to detect acute or chronic poisoning, for example, as a result of occupational exposure (metallurgy, battery manufacturing). The test helps assess the level of exposure and the associated health risk.

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal. Exposure to elevated concentrations of cadmium can cause toxic effects. Like mercury, cadmium is capable of vaporizing. Cases of cadmium poisoning are generally associated with industrial pollution. It may be released into the air during ore processing (it is a by-product of lead and zinc smelting) and during the incineration of waste, including plastics, cadmium-nickel batteries, and other materials.

Cadmium is used in the industrial production of alloys and pigments, as well as in the electrical industry. One of the most common sources of chronic cadmium exposure is the application of organic paints without the use of respiratory protective equipment. Automotive service mechanics are considered to be at increased risk of exposure to cadmium vapors.

Cadmium can accumulate in cereals and leafy vegetables when the soil is contaminated with industrial waste containing cadmium. Relatively high levels of cadmium may also be found in the liver of adult mammals and in oysters. Cadmium can enter food products through prolonged storage in packaging containing this element. People who smoke have significantly higher blood cadmium levels than nonsmokers, as cadmium is present in cigarette smoke.

Over the course of a lifetime, cadmium accumulates in tissues, primarily in the kidneys and liver. More than 95% of cadmium in the blood is contained in erythrocytes. It competes with other metals for binding to enzymes and disrupts their activity; it also binds to various proteins, causing their denaturation and altering their properties.

Chronic exposure to cadmium vapors can lead to destruction of the nasal epithelium and accumulation of cadmium in the lungs, resulting in emphysema. Chronic cadmium exposure may also cause osteomalacia and impaired bone mineralization, anemia, liver damage, nephropathy, cardiopathy, and the development of hypertension.

• During the examination of individuals working in conditions with elevated cadmium exposure.
• In the presence of clinical signs of poisoning with cadmium compounds.
• When consumption of food products containing cadmium compounds is suspected.
• During the examination of individuals living in areas affected by industrial pollution.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: