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• Prevention is the key to managing cadmium exposure. No effective treatment for cadmium toxicity exists.
• For the general public, the primary source of exposure to cadmium is dietary.
• Smoking tobacco adds an additional burden of cadmium.
• Nutritional deficiencies can increase the risk of cadmium toxicity.
• Chronic cadmium exposure primarily affects the kidneys and secondarily the bones.
• Acute inhalation of fumes containing cadmium affects the lungs.

This educational case study document is one in a series of self-instructional modules designed to increase the primary care provider’s knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to promote the adoption of medical practices that aid in the evaluation and care of potentially exposed patients. The complete series of Case Studies in Environmental Medicine is located on the ATSDR Web site at URL: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.html. In addition, the downloadable PDF [PDF – 971 KB] version of this educational series and other environmental medicine materials provides content in an electronic, printable format, especially for those who may lack adequate Internet service.

We gratefully acknowledge the work that the medical writers, editors, and reviewers have provided to produce this educational resource. Listed below are those who have contributed to development of this version of the Case Study in Environmental Medicine.

ATSDR Author: Pamela G. Tucker, MD

ATSDR Planners: Valerie J. Curry, MS; John Doyle, MPA; Bruce J. Fowler, Ph.D.; Kimberly Gehle, MD; Sharon L. Hall, Ph.D.; Michael Hatcher, DrPH; Kimberly Jenkins, BA; Ronald T. Jolly; Delene Roberts, MSA; Oscar Tarrago, MD, MPH, CHES; Brian Tencza, MS; Pamela Tucker, MD

ATSDR Commenters: Jessilyn Taylor, MS; Pamela Tucker, MD

Peer Reviewers: Jonathan Benjamin Borak, MD; Kenneth D. Rosenman, M.D., F.A.C.P.M., F.A.C.E.

Disclaimer

The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In developing its educational products ATSDR has made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and the currency of the presented information. ATSDR, however, makes no claim that the environmental medicine and health education resources discussed in these products comprehensively address all possible situations related to various substances. The products are intended for educational use to build the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals in assessing the conditions and managing the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances. The products are not a substitute for a health-care provider’s professional judgment. Please interpret the environmental medicine and the health education resources in light of specific information regarding the patient and in conjunction with other medical authorities. Use of trade names in ATSDR products is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.