Cadmium, chronic toxic effect
Disease/Syndrome
Cadmium, chronic toxic effect
Category
Metal Poisoning, Occupational
Synonyms
Itai-itai disease
Comments
Acutely, cadmium exposure can cause delayed pulmonary edema and acute renal failure after inhalation of high concentrations of the fume. See "Pneumonitis, toxic." See "Acute tubular necrosis." Chronically, cadmium dust and fume are toxic primarily to the kidneys with secondary effects on the bones (osteomalacia). Biological monitoring of cadmium exposed workers is mandated by OSHA to prevent chronic renal disease. [LaDou, p. 467-9] Studies of heavily exposed workers have shown a latency of about 10 years before the onset of kidney damage. [ATSDR Case Studies #10, p. 7]
Latency/Incubation
Weeks to years
Diagnostic
Urine and blood cadmium; Urine B2-microglobulins; When urinary cadmium level is less 10 micrograms/g. creatinine, then renal dysfunction is unlikely.
Symptoms/Findings
Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:
Job Tasks
High risk job tasks associated with this disease:
Agents
Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease: