ABSTRACT
Cadmium is a minor metallic element present naturally in the earth crust and water. Toxicity caused by cadmium compounds is not common. The routes of exposure are by inhalation of cadmium fume, ingestion and through smoking. Toxicity is mainly accidental through food stuffs, cigarette smoking and occupational. It primarily causes oxygen-stress to the tissue forming free oxygen radicals. The main organs involved are liver, kidneys and lungs but it also involves other organ systems too and cause ‘ouch-ouch disease’. Cadmium also alleged to be carcinogen. Management of the cadmium poisoning is done in the same line as any other heavy metals, with gastric lavage and chelating agents.
Key words: Cadmium, Poisoning, Ouch-Ouch Disease, Itai-Itai Disease, Treatment, Prevention.