Cadmium Fact Sheet

Cadmium occurs naturally in zinc, in lead and copper ores, in coal and other fossil fuels, in shales and is released during volcanic action. These deposits can serve as sources to ground and surface waters, especially when in contact with low total dissolved solids (TDS) and acidic waters. Major industrial releases of cadmium are due to waste streams and leaching of landfills, and from a variety of operations that involve cadmium and/or zinc. These may include many different types of industrial operations. Cadmium is found in drinking water supplies as a result of deterioration of galvanized plumbing, along with industrial waste contamination, or surface water contamination by certain fertilizers. Although it is possible for trace cadmium to be chelated or sequestered as with any metal, it will generally be found in the dissolved ionic form. Food is the major source of cadmium in Humans. Leafy vegetables contain approximately 0.05 – 0.12 mg cadmium/kg.