Introduction
This paper discusses cadmium, a toxic heavy metal used in the production of many devices. It studies its role in the modern world, as well as the possible detrimental health effects associated with it. The paper refers to the positions of EPA and Texas government regarding the metal. It concludes with the personal opinion on current American regulations regarding cadmium and the use of labels as a cautionary measure.
Discussion on Cadmium
According to Chmielowska-Bąk, Gzyl, Rucińska-Sobkowiak, Arasimowicz-Jelonek, and Deckert (2014), cadmium is a non-essential heavy metal that can have harmful effects on most organisms if present in excess. Cadmium is mostly used for batteries, pigments in paints, coatings, and stabilizers for plastics. Currently, the metal can be found in the devices people use daily, including cell phones, computers, cameras, and cordless power tools. It means that cadmium has played a significant role in the improvement of modern individuals’ life. However, it is crucial to point out that cadmium is highly toxic, which means that it is necessary to prevent humans and animals from the exposure to it.
Possible Health Effects
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (2000) lists the number of possible detrimental health effects associated with cadmium. The acute effects include bronchial and pulmonary irritation of lungs. Notably, even a single exposure to high levels of cadmium can result in a long-term lung function impairment. Chronic effects include various kidney, lung, and liver diseases, as well as immune and nervous systems’ disabilities. There is a possibility of developing several reproductive conditions, including a reduction in sperm viability, decreased birthweights, impaired neurological development, and testicular damage. Moreover, the exposure to inhaled cadmium can result in lung cancer, as the metal is considered a probable human carcinogen (The United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2000). It means that it is necessary for individuals to avoid cadmium exposure to protect their health.
The Positions of EPA and the State Government
EPA has published the recommended water quality criteria for states authorized to establish water quality standards. It also requires manufacturers to report health studies related to cadmium. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2012) explains that EPA’s recommendation for individuals is not to exceed safe levels of exposure to cadmium. To do so, it advises them to avoid possibly contaminated areas and food, such as shellfish, properly dispose of batteries and prevent children from playing with them, as well as reduce smoking tobacco products. Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (1990) regulates the levels of allowable concentrations for discharge in tidal and inland waters. It underlines that dilution for attaining these levels is strictly prohibited. The analysis of cadmium should conform to the regulations, and the executive directors should confirm the methods of sampling.
Personal Opinion
I think that cadmium is tightly regulated in the United States. However, it is possible to make it less threatening to individuals’ health. For example, cadmium is used for plastic production, which means that people are exposed to the metal if they use plastic food containers or wear certain types of jewelry. In my opinion, it is possible to find ways of substituting cadmium in the products that humans use daily and prohibit the utilization of this metal.
I believe that label requirements are not enough in the case of cadmium. The reason for it is that many people are not aware of the detrimental effects the metal has. Moreover, some individuals tend to underestimate or ignore the warnings given by labels. I think that it is necessary to use every measure of caution to protect people from cadmium contamination; labeling is not sufficient as an exclusive way of its prevention.
Conclusion
Cadmium is a highly toxic metal; its use should be strictly regulated to avoid the cases of exposure. It is necessary to point out that the metal can cause acute health impairments. Currently, cadmium is tightly controlled both in Texas and in the United States, but it is possible to eliminate its usage to a higher degree. Label requirements cannot serve as an exclusive measure of caution.
References
Chmielowska-Bąk, J., Gzyl, J., Rucińska-Sobkowiak, R., Arasimowicz-Jelonek, M., & Deckert, J. (2014). The new insights into cadmium sensing. Frontiers in Plant Science, 5, 1.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (2000). Cadmium compounds (A).Web.
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (1990).Subchapter B: Hazardous metals.Web.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2012). Public health statement. Cadmium.Web.