Cadmium, Blood

Overview:

Cadmium is a metal used in batteries, pigments and some industrial processes, and it is present in tobacco smoke, which is the largest source for most people who are exposed. It accumulates in the body over decades, particularly in the kidneys, where it can gradually impair filtering, and it also affects bone. Blood cadmium reflects relatively recent exposure, while urine cadmium reflects the accumulated body burden, so the two tests answer different questions. This test is used mainly where occupational exposure is a concern or where a known source needs to be assessed, and results are read against exposure history.

Categories:

Environmental Toxins, Kidney

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker