Exposure to cadmium has been associated with development of pulmonary emphysema.
Risk factors for emphysema:
(1) duration and amount of cigarette smoking
(2) inhalation of cadmium fumes, especially if massive
(3) low zinc intake (Lin et al)
(4) alpha-1 antitrypsin and other disorders associated with emphysema
Some people believe that cadmium in tobacco may contribute to the development of emphysema. An active smoker has about twice the body burden of cadmium compared to a nonsmoker (Hendrick).
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