The element cadmium is a heavy metal with atomic weight 112.41. It is near silver, mercury, and gold on the Periodic Chart of the Elements. Its malleability is similar to lead and this and other qualities make it both harmful and useful.
Over 10 million pounds of cadmium are used in industry every year in the United States. Cadmium is in several metal alloys such as solder, especially that used to solder aluminum. Electroplating, nickel plating, engraving, and especially nickel-cadmium batteries are additional common uses for cadmium.
Though popular in industry, cadmium can be very toxic, and serious consequences can result if it is swallowed or inhaled. For example, it only takes 10 milligrams to initiate symptoms of poisoning. Though nothing has been proven yet, heavy metals like cadmium are suspected causes of Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.
Cadmium poisoning may be indicated by abdominal pain, headache, increased salivation or the opposite as a dry throat, choking, vomiting, chest pain, anemia, and painful spasms of the anal sphincter. “When cadmium dust or powder is inhaled, the first symptoms are a sweet or metallic taste, followed by throat irritation.”
A low dose exposure to cadmium over a long period of time may cause symptoms including loss of a sense of smell, a cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, and tooth staining. Excessive exposure to cadmium may cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
This is the bad news. The good news is that it is possible to be rid of the danger of cadmium in our drinking and cooking water. Water filters containing activated charcoal are able to remove at least 95% of the heavy metals like cadmium from drinking water. They do this through adsorption. In this process, toxins cling to the surface of the charcoal granules until they are either washed out or the filter is discarded.
Some may respond that they are not concerned about the presence of cadmium in their water source. If so, consider these points. First, wouldn’t it be better to be sure you are safe? Ground water travels very slowly, only a few feet a day, and it is certainly possible that some place upstream, it was contaminated with heavy metals. Second, Berkey Water Filters remove much more than just heavy metals. The long list includes parasites, chlorine compounds, and hydrocarbons.
Formerly we could count on all drinking water to be safe. However, with the chemicals used in farming and manufacturing, it is certainly a good idea to exceed the minimums of the city water report, or the well water test, and filter all drinking and cooking water. The consequences of having unsafe water are too serious to ignore.
Possibly related articles:
- Guard Your Life From Mercury Poisoning
- The Dangers Of Lead In Drinking Water
- Shower Water Filters Are Critically Important
Tags: cadmium in drinking water, cadmium in water, cadmium toxicity
