Cadmium is a heavy metal that can be harmful to humans even at low doses. It is widely released into the environment by industrial and agricultural activities and is present in air, soil, water, and food. Cadmium can enter the body by multiple routes including diet, inhalation of polluted air, and cigarette smoke.
Cadmium is slowly excreted and can accumulate over time a lifetime. It has toxic effects on the kidneys, respiratory tract. and central nervous system. Cadmium has been associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.
Urine cadmium concentration can be measured by triple-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Urine concentrations above 3.0 mcg/g creatine indicates significant exposure to cadmium while levels above 15 mcg/g creatinine indicate severe exposure.
References
Wang M, Chen Z, Song W, Hong D, Huang L, Li Y. A review on cadmium exposure in the population and intervention strategies against cadmium toxicity. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2021;106(1):65-74. doi:10.1007/s00128-020-03088-1
Lu L et al. Association of urinary cadmium concentration with cognitive impairment in US adults. Neurology. 2024;103(7).doi:10.1212/WNL.000000000209808
How to resolve AdBlock issue?