What is cadmium? It is a heavy metal that comes from the smelting of other metals such as zinc, copper or lead. It is widely used for the manufacture of nickel-cadmium batteries. In addition, cigarette smoke also contains such an element. As a result of continuous exposure to cadmium, very severe diseases of the lungs and kidneys occur. Consider the features of this metal in more detail.
Scope of application of cadmium
Most of the industrial use of this metal is in protective coatings that protect metals from corrosion. Such a coating has a great advantage over zinc, nickel or tin, because it does not peel off when deformed.
What else could be the use of cadmium? It is used to produce alloys that are remarkably machinable. Cadmium alloys with minor additions of copper, nickel and silver are used to manufactureautomotive, aircraft and marine engine bearings.
Where else is cadmium used?
Welders, metallurgists and workers in the textile, electronics and battery industries are most at risk of cadmium poisoning. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used in mobile phones and other electronic devices. This metal is also used in the production of plastics, paints, metal coatings. Many soils that are fertilized regularly can also contain this toxic metal in large quantities.
Heavy metal cadmium: properties
Cadmium and its compounds are characterized as carcinogens, but small amounts of the element in the environment have not been proven to cause cancer. Inhalation of metal particles in industrial production does contribute to the development of lung cancer, but if contaminated food is consumed, they do not pose a risk of developing cancer.
How does cadmium enter the human body?
It has long been known that cigarette smoke contains cadmium. This heavy metal enters the body of a smoker in an amount twice as large as in the body of a person who is not subject to such a bad habit. However, passive smoking can be harmful.
Leafy vegetables, cereals and potatoes grown in soil high in cadmium can be hazardous. The liver and kidneys of marine life and animals are also famous for the increased content of this metal.
Many industrial plants, especially metallurgical ones, emit large amounts of cadmium into the atmosphere. People living near such enterprises are automatically included in the risk group.
Some agricultural areas actively use phosphate fertilizers, which contain negligible amounts of cadmium. Products grown on this land pose a potential threat to humans.
Effect of cadmium on the human body
Thus, we have figured out what cadmium is. The impact on the human body of this heavy metal can cause negative consequences. In any living organism, it is found in small quantities, and its biological role has not yet been fully elucidated. Usually cadmium is associated with a negative function.
Its toxic effect is based on the blocking of sulfur-containing amino acids, which leads to disruption of protein metabolism and damage to the cell nucleus. This heavy metal promotes the removal of calcium from the bones and affects the nervous system. It can accumulate in the kidneys and liver, and it is excreted from the body very slowly. This process can take decades. Cadmium is normally excreted in urine and feces.
Inhalation of cadmium
This element enters the body of industrial workers by inhalation. To prevent this, use effective protective equipment. Neglect of this rule leads to sad consequences. If you inhale cadmium, the effect on the human body of such a metal is manifested as follows:body temperature rises, chills and muscle pain appear.
After a while, damage to the lungs occurs, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough. In severe cases, this condition causes the death of the patient. Inhalation of air containing cadmium contributes to the development of kidney disease and osteoporosis. The chance of lung cancer increases several times.
Intake of cadmium with food
What is the danger of cadmium in water and food? With the regular use of contaminated foods and water, this metal begins to accumulate in the body, which leads to negative consequences: kidney function is disrupted, bone tissue is weakened, the liver and heart are affected, and in severe cases, death occurs.
Eating food contaminated with cadmium can cause stomach irritation, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, flu-like symptoms appear, swelling of the larynx develops, and tingling occurs in the hands.
Causes of cadmium poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning most often occurs in children, diabetics, pregnant and lactating women, people who abuse smoking. In Japan, cadmium intoxication occurs as a result of eating contaminated rice. In this case, apathy develops, the kidneys are affected, the bones soften and deform.
Industrialized areas where oil refineries and metallurgical enterprises are located are famous for the fact that the soil there is contaminated with cadmium. If inwhere plant products are grown, heavy metal poisoning is likely to occur.
Element in large quantities can accumulate in tobacco. If the raw material is dried, then the metal content increases dramatically. The intake of cadmium occurs both with active and passive smoking. The occurrence of lung cancer is directly dependent on the metal content in the smoke.
Treatment for poisoning
Symptoms of cadmium poisoning:
- damage to the central nervous system;
- sharp bone pain;
- protein in urine;
- kidney stones;
- genital dysfunction.
If acute poisoning has occurred, the victim should be kept warm, he needs to be provided with fresh air and peace. After washing the stomach, he should be given warm milk, to which a little baking soda is added. There are no antidotes for cadmium. To neutralize the metal, Unitiol, steroids and diuretics are used. Complex treatment involves the use of cadmium antagonists (zinc, iron, selenium, vitamins). The doctor may prescribe a general strengthening diet containing a large amount of fiber and pectins.
Possible consequences
A metal such as cadmium has a very serious effect on the human body, and if poisoning with this element occurs, the consequences can be dangerous. It displaces calcium from the bones, contributing to the development of osteoporosis. In adults and children beginsthe spine is bent and the bones are deformed. In childhood, such poisoning leads to encephalopathy and neuropathy.
Conclusion
Thus, we have analyzed what constitutes such a heavy metal as cadmium. The effect on the human body of this element is quite serious. Gradually accumulating in the body, it leads to the destruction of many organs. You can even get poisoned by cadmium if you eat contaminated foods in large quantities. The consequences of poisoning are also quite dangerous.
