Therefore, people are exposed to cadmium upon consumption of cadmium containing plants or animals. Seafood, such as mollusks and crustaceans, can be a source of cadmium, as well. Please see the external link below for more information. The toxic effects of oral cadmium exposure have been well studied in animals, and a significant body of data from exposed humans has also been accumulated. In humans, most severe cases of oral cadmium toxicity have been associated with ingestion of foods or fluids contaminated by storage in cadmium-plated containers.
Death is usually due to excessive fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.
However, the levels of cadmium exposure through food, water, and air that are typical for most people are not of major health concern. The government has taken a number of steps to protect humans from excessive cadmium exposure. It is considering regulations that would limit the amount of cadmium that could be emitted into outside air. 84-116 References 1. National Institutes of Health, Cadmium.