Experiments have shown a relationship between increased levels of lead in the blood and reduced intellectual development. Cadmium can cause kidney damage and damage to lung and bone tissue. Cadmium is most likely to accumulate in vegetables. We do get some cadmium through the food we eat, and smoking contributes to accumulation of cadmium in the body. Smokers have twice as much cadmium in their bodies compared to nonsmokers.
Tars can harm the skin in the form of irritation, rashes, sensitivity and skin cancer.
The harmful effects were originally documented in chimney sweeps who were exposed to soot daily. How to reduce the risk Nobody can completely avoid pollution. Many contaminants in soils are found in other places in our surroundings for example in food, cigarette smoke, paint, textiles, plastics and in the air. Science has enabled us to better analyse substances that damage health and determine whether sickness or other ill effects are due to contaminants. Often it is not possible to predict the effect that small doses of contaminants substances may have on people over time.