Cadmium exposure: health hazards of silver cottage industry in developing countries

J Med Toxicol. 2006 Mar;2(1):14-5. doi: 10.1007/BF03161007.

Abstract

In countries such as India, the silver jewelry industry is an important cottage industry. Silver is mixed with cadmium and then used to make silver jewelry. During this process there is a formation of cadmium fumes, and the workers inhale the fumes. Cadmium is a neurotoxic and nephrotoxic heavy metal, and there are no national policies to prevent exposure to such chemicals. We will present a case of cadmium induced peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and decreased bone density.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Cadmium / adverse effects*
  • Cadmium Poisoning*
  • Developing Countries*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Inhalation Exposure*
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Polyneuropathies / chemically induced
  • Silver*
  • Welding*

Substances

  • Cadmium
  • Silver