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High Temperature Cadmium Plating Concerns

Cadmium is an atomic element used in industry as a noncorrosive coating. It is applied to other more corrosive metals by platting, giving the surface high conductivity, low oxidation and a low coefficient of friction. Cadmium also gives plated objects a smooth surface for applying adhesives. However, cadmium is a toxic metal and can cause several health concerns if handled improperly.

  1. Acute Effects

    • Acute effects of cadmium poisoning can occur in poorly ventilated work areas. These acute effects may include metal fume fever, acute respiratory effects and gastrointestinal effects. Metal fume fever includes flu-like symptoms that may resolve themselves within a week. Respiratory effects include inflammation of the trachea, bronchi and lungs and may cause pulmonary edema. Severe inflammation and edema is fatal in most cases. Gastrointestinal effects include choking, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, spasms and loss of consciousness.

    Chronic Effects

    • Chronic effects of cadmium poisoning may occur after high exposure to cadmium fumes and dust. These effects include chronic obstructive lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis and olfactory impairment. Other long-term effects include damage to the kidneys. The kidneys store half the cadmium absorbed into the body, causing tubular proteinuria and glomerular dysfunction with the possibility of chronic renal failure and kidney stones. There is also evidence that cadmium may affect skeletal growth, causing osteomalacia and osteoporosis.

    Cancer

    • There is evidence that cadmium is a carcinogen, causing an increased likelihood of lung, prostate and stomach cancers. There is a small but significant increase in lung cancer among cadmium workers. However, these increases may be due to arsenic and nickel fumes, which are found in cadmium plants. Cadmium has been shown to increase the incidence of prostate cancer in statistically significant studies and in lab rats. Stomach and kidney cancers have been shown in correlation with smoking, showing a possible multiple agent effect.

    Testing

    • There are three main tests for cadmium poisoning: whole blood, cadmium in urine and measurement of plasma proteins in urine. Whole blood tests are used to detect recent exposure by sampling blood. Cadmium in the urine is used to determine long-term exposure to cadmium as it is stored in the kidneys. The measurement of plasma proteins in urine is not a direct test for cadmium but gives an indication of renal failure due to cadmium exposure.

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