Cadmium

Pure cadmium is a soft, silver-white metal found naturally in small quantities in air, water and soil. The main industries that use cadmium are metal smelting, electronics, nuclear power, paint pigment production, and other metal working and refining companies. Higher levels of cadmium may be found in soil or water near industrial areas or hazardous waste sites. Surface water can contain low levels of dissolved cadmium. Cadmium in water tends to sink. Health effects caused by cadmium depend on how much has entered your body, how long you have been exposed and how your body responds. It also can cause bones to become weaker. If you eat food or drink water that contains large amounts of cadmium, stomach irritation, vomiting and diarrhea may result.