The amount of cadmium present in blood or urine can be measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and used as an indication of cadmium exposure. A single acute exposure to high levels of cadmium can result in long-lasting impairment of lung function. Other effects noted from chronic exposure to cadmium in air in humans are effects on the lung, including bronchiolitis and emphysema. These data also permit calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters of cadmium absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Oral exposure may cause reproductive effects in humans, but only at high levels of exposure.
Limited evidence exists for an association between inhalation exposure and reproductive effects.
Several occupational studies have reported an excess risk of lung cancer from exposure to inhaled cadmium. However, the evidence is limited rather than conclusive due to confounding factors. Animal studies have reported cancer resulting from inhalation exposure to several forms of cadmium, while animal ingestion studies have not seen cancer from exposure to cadmium compounds. EPA uses mathematical models, based on animal studies, to estimate the probability of a person developing cancer from breathing air containing a specified concentration of a chemical. Physical Properties Cadmium is a soft silver-white metal that is usually found in combination with other elements.