CAS Number: 7440-43-9. A bluish-white, malleable and toxic
metallic element used especially in protective platings and in
bearing metals. Chemical symbol = Cd. Molecular weight = 112.41
g/mol.
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The main sources of cadmium in the air are the burning of fossil
fuels such as coal or oil and the incineration of municipal
waste. The acute (short-term) effects of cadmium in humans
through inhalation exposure consist mainly of effects on the
lung, such as pulmonary irritation. Chronic (long-term)
inhalation or oral exposure to cadmium leads to a build-up of
cadmium in the kidneys that can cause kidney disease. Cadmium
has been shown to be a developmental toxicant in animals,
resulting in fetal malformations and other effects, but no
conclusive evidence exists in humans. An association between
cadmium exposure and an increased risk of lung cancer has been
reported from human studies, but these studies are inconclusive
due to confounding factors. Animal studies have demonstrated an
increase in lung cancer from long-term inhalation exposure to
cadmium. EPA has classified cadmium as a Group B1, probable
human carcinogen.