Exposure and health effects of cadmium part 2. Toxic effects of cadmium to animals and man

Abstract

A survey is given of the effects of cadmium administration on the health of animals and man, on the structure and composition of tissues and body fluids and on the alterations induced in cell structures. Effects of Cd on the various organs of man (and of animals) are reviewed, for instance effects on the kidney, hematopoietic system, vascular system, liver, skeleton, lung, pancreas, central nervous system, spleen, intestinal tract, testes, and female reproductive system. Special attention is given to carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and to teratogenic effects and in addition to the interactions with other heavy metals, e.g. zinc, copper, iron and mercury. In the last section, the consequences of these health effects on guidelines and TLV (MAC) values are discussed.