Table of Contents
Cadmium and Water
A technical paper by Olympian Water Testing specialists
Cadmium and Drinking Water
Cadmium, the heavy metal found in Earth’s crust as compounds such as Chlorine, Sulphur (Cadmium Sulphate) and oxygen (Cadmium Oxide) [1]. Most consumer goods – jewelry, batteries, metal finishes – are Cadmium. Also food items such as Leafy vegetables, Kidney Beans, and Nuts have Cadmium. Cadmium is an irritant for human bodies and in the presence of a trace element in water could be inhaled and oxidative physiological effects may ensue [2].
We will tell you about Cadmium water contaminating, effects on your health, what to do to reduce them, water decontamination and how to get assistance.
How does Cadmium get into the water?
The way Cadmium enters the water is many. Cadmium escapes from galvanized pipes and into the water if distribution and plumbing equipment is polluted [3]. Low pH soft water is Cadmium rich as the materials in it are more corrosive than others. Water is a Cadmium-rich water because the cadmium is used in industrial process, and the waste gets leaked to the water [2, 3].
Low Cadmium content on the surface of the Earth are not toxic. But the Cadmium concentrations are regionally variable and found in concentrations of high levels only in a handful of areas [4]. Water from a landfill is a place that contains lots of Cadmium, and there are always more, because you use and throw out products that contain Cadmium. A 2014 report from Minnesota showed that cadmium levels had been unobservable for 10 years [3].
The biggest tip is to stay as far away from cadmium water as possible. When you’re tested positive for cadmium, get to the source immediately so you’re not drinking lead-contaminated water. You can always go with bottled water while you find something else.
What is the safe level of Cadmium in water?
World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Cadmium concentration in water is 0.003 mg/L. There’s no reason to drink water that contains more than 0.005mg/L cadmium [5]. A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits cadmium to 0.005 mg/L. The minimal risk level (MRL) is the threshold for chronic exposure to cadmium with no possibility of harmful health effects – it is 0.1 g/kg/day. EPA recommended human dose (Avoidable dose) as 0.0005 mg/kg/day [6]. So always check your water to see how high it’s cadmium, escape its diseases, and keep it within guidelines.
How can you test water for Cadmium?
Testing water for Cadmium is a process that calls for specialists and specialized instruments like atomic-absorption spectrophotometry and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry [7]. This can be best done by having a water sample taken to a licensed lab and the water tested for you. Chemical test can be done on the water sample in the lab. It is an easy, quick and very accurate test that will tell you if your water is okay or you need to look elsewhere. But it needs specialists to play.
What are the health effects of drinking water with Cadmium?
The health risks of Cadmium are similar to those of the other heavy metals – depending on the type and amount of exposure. The more time you are exposed, the less adverse health effects you will have. Not only that, everyone responds to cadmium in different ways, so there is no clear quantity effect for everyone.
Diarrhoea, cough, vomiting, or chest pains can be caused by exposure to Cadmium. But, the long term use results in kidney disease, seizures and lung damage [8]. Though it might have almost no effect in the short term, long-term low-level exposure can lead to osteoporosis. Research shows that cadmium poisoning causes cell wall degradation and cell proliferation and interferes with natural detoxification [8]. Although Cadmium toxicity impact is dependent on the path of ingestion, amount and duration of exposure, the most vulnerable organs are kidneys which accumulate 30% of Cadmium [9] and diabetic patients are the most exposed for renal tubular injury from Cadmium exposure [10].
How are you exposed to Cadmium?
Cadmium exposure is multifactorial. We can achieve it in foods like leafy vegetables, peanuts, shellfish or sunflower seeds [11]. Drinking water, smoking tobacco, jewellery, plastics are other sources of exposure [8]. It is also possible that cigarette smokers are high exposure to Cadmium in cigarettes which is a risk factor for lung emphysema [12]. And cadmium in the lungs of the smoker: an overlooked connection. Those employed in dangerous trades like plastics, welding and soldering are also cadmium-contaminated [11].
High exposure levels in children who just take anything they want, pick it and spit it into their mouth without asking if it’s safe or not. Cadmium is emitted to children by food, house dust and smoke [13]. Because tobacco is containing large amounts of cadmium, you don’t want to smoke near children. To quit cigarettes therefore is a win-win situation not only for you but for your kids. To use contaminated water to cook food is to harm the children too. Cadmium transfer is not common, but it can still happen. A recent study in Kerman, Iran contaminated breast milk heavily with Cadmium and lead, and identified and hypothesized low socio-economic status as the likely cause since it puts one’s body under excessive stress [14]. But other research found an positive relationship between cadmium in breastmilk, maternal smoking, and smoking cigarettes [15].
Does Cadmium put the health of children at risk?
Most especially children with heavy metals such as Cadmium. The horrible health impacts make it a good idea to never get into children’s hands. As the WHO notes, Cadmium disturbs and lowers children’s bone mass, which in turn interferes with development.
Cadmium does not excrete from your body in the long run but accumulates in other organs. Childhood Cadmium exposure and buildup begin early and it can be long before the disease shows up in children with lower immune systems than adults.
Because Cadmium is a main component of most home goods, watch for it in your products. As I said before, children are more vulnerable to cadmium.
Always read what it says in the title so your kids are protected from Cadmium. The WHO suggests plenty of iron to guard against cadmium because it prevents cadmium from entering the body. Furthermore, eating well guards you from Cadmium’s poisons. That’s because Vitamin E has anti-toxicity effect against cadmium toxicity and other heavy metals toxicity [17]. Strive for whole foods so your immune system has the resources it needs to fight off assaults. There is also scientific evidence that vitamins, other food additives and minerals shield the body from harmful metals and chemicals [17–19].
Healthy living improves your immunity and put you in the right condition for when something comes your way later in life. Smoke less if you don’t want to smoke too much because that will expose you to too much cadmium. If you are already a smoker, decrease your cigarettes per day until you get rid of it. Living a healthy lifestyle and practices can greatly decrease exposure to cadmium, improves your health, keeps you from lifestyle diseases, and builds your body.
How can you safely use products that contain Cadmium?
If you get your water from a municipal source, you can obtain a copy of the water quality reports. And do not assume that a well is safe from Cadmium because it is privately owned and maintained; you have to test the drinking water. On the contrary, private systems are the biggest culprits of heavy metals because government regulations do not apply.
Individual owners are responsible for the safety of their plants and cannot shift blame to the government in case things go wrong. Therefore, do your due diligence and ask the necessary questions about testing, findings and eliminating Cadmium from your water.
Ensure that your cadmium batteries are properly recycled and do not expose you and your family to health risks. Cadmium is present in many items in your home, and you should know how to handle them properly. Please do not dispose of items carelessly without considering their impact. Instead, recycle the ones that you can and safely dispose of the ones you no longer use.
Since Cadmium is a key ingredient in many household items, look out for it in the items you bring home. As mentioned, children are at a higher health risk from cadmium exposure.
Always pay attention to the words used in the description to keep your children safe from Cadmium. The WHO recommends adequate iron intake to protect from cadmium exposure since it blocks cadmium absorption in the body. Moreover, eating a balanced diet protects you from the adverse effects of Cadmium. This is due to the protective effect of Vitamin E against cadmium toxicity and other heavy metals’ adverse effects [17]. Aim for whole foods to boost your body’s immunity with the nutrients it needs to wade off attacks. Evidence indicates that vitamins, other food ingredients, and minerals protect the body against toxic metals and chemicals [17–19].
A healthy lifestyle boosts your immunity and keeps you in the right frame to avoid complications later in life. Avoid smoking completely if you want to limit excessive cadmium exposure. If you are already a smoker, start by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke per day until you overcome the habit. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and practices greatly limits cadmium exposure and improves your overall health, protects you from lifestyle diseases, and strengthens your body.
How does Cadmium get into the environment?
Cadmium gets into the environment through natural events like forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and human actions [11, 20]. Like manufacturing and mining, poor disposal of wastes release Cadmium into the air, soil, and water. Other activities that contribute to the release of Cadmium are fossil fuel combustion and the use of phosphate fertilizers [20].
Avoid handling dangerous chemicals and adopt sustainable and healthy practices to reduce your exposure.
Frequently asked questions about Cadmium
What is Cadmium?
Cadmium is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. It is majorly used in paints, jewelry, batteries, and cigarettes [20].
How does Cadmium enter the body?
Cadmium enters the body through inhalation and ingestion. You have a high chance of cadmium exposure if you smoke tobacco or work in high-risk occupations such as welding and soldering [12]. Additionally, certain foods are high in Cadmium, including nuts, leafy vegetables, and burnt meat.
Cadmium can enter the body if you are fond of mounting objects that contain Cadmium. Drinking water contaminated with Cadmium increases your exposure as well.
How can you reduce your exposure to Cadmium?
You can reduce your exposure to Cadmium by avoiding cigarettes, discouraging children from putting things in their mouths, and properly handling items containing Cadmium. You must be keen on the things around you and avoid those containing Cadmium.
Read the labels of items you buy to ensure that they don’t contain Cadmium. If they do, learn how to handle them to avoid exposure. Although getting children to stop mouthing completely may be difficult, offering a reward for good behavior is a good start. The goal is to avoid things that put you and your family at risk of Cadmium.
What are the health effects of Cadmium?
The health effects of Cadmium are adverse and, in most cases, irreversible. Short-term exposure can cause coughs, headaches, diarrhea, and vomiting. Long-term exposure can cause kidney failure, a weak immune system, and organ damage [8]. Also, Cadmium weakens bones, putting victims at greater risk of bone-related problems. In children, cadmium exposure can cause deformities, growth delays, weak bones, and kidney damage later in life [9]. Knowing the health effects can help you adopt safe practices to shield you and your loved ones from harm.
The effects may not manifest immediately but build up and shows later in life. However, treating health challenges brought on by cadmium exposure later in life is difficult.
How can you know if water has Cadmium?
You can know for sure if water has Cadmium in it by having it professionally tested by a certified laboratory. This gives you credible results in a short time. Get your water tested to prevent accidental or excessive cadmium exposure from drinking water.
When is cadmium safe in drinking water?
Cadmium is safe in drinking water if the levels do not exceed 0.005mg/L. The only way you can ascertain the level of Cadmium in your drinking water is by getting it tested by a certified lab.
Is it safe to shower with water that contains Cadmium?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to shower with water that contains Cadmium. Cadmium cannot enter the body through the skin, so it is okay to shower with it. You can also wash your cars, lawns, and outdoor areas.
What treatment methods are there for cadmium-contaminated water?
Numerous treatment methods can lower cadmium levels in your water. They include ion exchange, filtration and coagulation, reverse osmosis, and softening. The level of Cadmium determines the type of method to be used.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the limit for Cadmium in water at 0.005mg/L [5]. This limit is set to protect the public from exposure to high levels of Cadmium and is based on scientific evidence outlining exposure’s health effects.
Are some people at a greater risk of cadmium exposure?
Yes, some people face a greater risk of cadmium exposure than others. Individuals who smoke tobacco cigarettes, work in high-risk occupations and have nutritional deficits are at a greater risk [12]. Tobacco is made using Cadmium which means that smokers face health risks caused by Cadmium. Moreover, some jobs expose you to Cadmium more than others.
Jobs that make you gain contact with batteries or paints daily put you at greater risk than others. Similarly, making unhealthy food choices puts you at risk because you lack nutrients to block cadmium absorption by the body.
Conclusion
Cadmium is a freely occurring metal in the environment with serious health effects. It gets into the water through natural events like volcanic eruptions and human activities. Short-term health effects of Cadmium include coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting. Long-term exposure to Cadmium can cause organ damage, kidney failure, and weakened immunity.
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