Additional Resources

This section provides useful resources and guidance materials for both employers and employees.

Exposure and Controls

Workers can be exposed to cadmium by breathing in dusts, fumes, or mists containing cadmium. Cadmium or cadmium compounds can also get on the skin, contaminate clothing or food, and be ingested (which is also one of the routes of exposure). The most effective way to prevent exposure to a hazardous metal such as cadmium is through elimination or substitution.

Health Effects

Occupational exposure to cadmium can lead to a variety of adverse health effects including cancer. Acute inhalation exposure (high levels over a short period of time) to cadmium can result in flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, and muscle pain) and can damage the lungs. Chronic exposure (low level over an extended period of time) can result in kidney, bone and lung disease. For a comprehensive discussion of cadmium's health effects, see OSHA Preambles to Final Rules – Cadmium.

Enforcement

This section highlights directives (instruction to OSHA staff) and letters of interpretation (official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to cadmium.

Overview