Q. Chronic exposure of Cadmium?
An increase in the soil cadmium content due to soil pollution by industrial wastes, burning of coal, fossil fuels, sewage sludge, medical and municipal waste results in an increase in the uptake of cadmium by plants. High levels of cadmium have also been detected in seafood like shrimps. The cadmium absorbed by our bodies is retained for several years. This is, in fact, a problem with all heavy metals. Our body is not able to effectively throw out these metals. Cadmium is a highly toxic metal. One example of cadmium toxicity was highlighted by Itai Itai (bone damage) disease in Japan in 1960. Chronic exposure to this metal causes renal damage, heart disease, anaemia, skeletal weakening and depressed immune system response.