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Cadmium toxicity
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Used in electroplating, soldering, pigments, and plastics
Mechanism of Toxicity
- Inhaled form is 60 times more toxic than ingested form
- Chemical pneumonitis
- Pulmonary edema/hemorrhage
- GI irritation
- Renal tubule damage
Clinical Features
- Local skin and eye irritation
- Cough, wheezing, pulmonary edema
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Chronic exposure can lead to bone deposition and "itai-itai" disease
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnosis
- History of exposure and respiratory / gastrointestinal complaints
Management
Inhalation
Ingestion
- Activated charcoal or lavage
- Volume resuscitation to counter fluid losses
- No role for hemodialysis
Disposition
See Also
References
Olson, K. Poisoning and Drug Overdose, 1999.
