Which disease is linked to cadmium exposure?

• A. Minamata disease
• B. Keshan disease
• C. Meniere's disease
• D. Itai-itai disease

Answer: (D)

Cadmium exposure over time is classically linked to Itai-itai disease. This condition arose from environmental cadmium pollution and presents with kidney damage and severe bone pain due to renal osteodystrophy and osteomalacia. Cadmium accumulates in the kidneys, causing proximal tubule injury that leads to wasting of phosphate and other minerals, ultimately weakening bones and causing fractures. The combination of renal dysfunction and bone disease makes Itai-itai the unmistakable cadmium-related illness. By contrast, Minamata disease is due to methylmercury poisoning with neurological symptoms, Keshan disease is a selenium-deficiency-related cardiomyopathy, and Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder, not driven by cadmium exposure.