engleski

Biological effects of cadmium

Heavy metals are an important class of environmental contaminants. They are known to induce toxic and genotoxic damages on humans and animals. As mutagens, they may cause teratogenic and/or car- cinogenic effects. Cadmium is a widespread heavy metal with no bio- logical function. It occurs both natura1ly and as a contaminant origi- nating from a variety of industrial processes and cigarette smoke. Cadmium is extensively used in electroplating, rustproofing of fer- rous metal, preparation of pigments for paints, or as an antifriction agent in metal bearing. Cadmium concentrations in soil and wheat have increased continuously since the last century, especia1ly in un- derdeveloped countries. Food and cigarette smoke are the main sources of cadmium exposure for general population, while workers in metal industry may run additional risk of exposure. Depending on the duration and the route of exposure, cadmium can induce dam- age in many organs and systems. It has been classified as a suspect comutagen and human carcinogen. This paper gives an overview of biological effects of cadmium with a particular focus on health risk assessment of the metal.

cadmium; heavy metal; carcinogenicity; mutagenicity; teratogenicity

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