What are the chronic effects of cadmium exposure?

• A. Kidney damage
• B. Kidney damage, bone weakening
• C. Lung irritation
• D. Nausea

Answer: (B)

Chronic cadmium exposure mainly harms the kidneys over time because cadmium accumulates in renal tissue, especially the proximal tubules, causing long‑term tubular injury. This leads to proteinuria and a gradual loss of kidney function. Because the kidneys regulate mineral metabolism, this damage can cause phosphate wasting and secondary effects on bone, resulting in bone weakening and conditions like osteoporosis or osteomalacia. A historic example is Itai-itai disease, which highlighted the serious kidney and bone consequences of prolonged cadmium exposure. Lung irritation can occur with inhalation, but it’s more linked to acute or cumulative respiratory effects and cancer risk, while nausea is not a defining chronic outcome. Therefore, the chronic effects best reflecting prolonged exposure are kidney damage and bone weakening.