Cadmium is the name given to an element that has the properties of a metal and that is present in the earth crust in moderate amounts. It is generally stable in different types of rocks, but erosion may release it in the environment.
Persistent
Bio-accumulative
SOURCES
Batteries, pigments, solar cells, and industrial phosphate fertilizers.
EXPOSURE
Dietary intake via contaminated soil/water and inhalation through tobacco smoke.
IMPACT
Primarily targets the renal system and skeletal structure (Itai-itai disease).