CADMIUM: VULNERABLE GROUPS

Cadmium toxicity tends to occur after occupational, environmental, or hobby work exposure. For instance, workers in industries producing cadmium, hobbyists such as jewelry makers, artists, and individuals who smoke cigarettes may be at an increased risk for cadmium exposure.

Worker exposure to cadmium can occur in all industry sectors but mostly in manufacturing and construction. Workers may be exposed during the smelting and refining of metals, and the manufacturing of batteries, plastics, coatings, and solar panels. Recently, the expanding Ni-Cd battery recycling industry has led to concerns about cadmium exposure. 

The presence of cadmium in toys, jewelry, and plastics more generally has also provoked concerns about its potential effects on children.