The report is a review and evaluation of the current knowledge of cadmium in the environment as related to possible deleterious effects on human health and welfare. Sources, distribution, measurement, and control technology are also considered. Cadmium is widely distributed in the environment. The air over urban areas has contained generally less than 0.1 microgram per cubic meter, 24-hour average, but a 24-hour average as high as 0.73 microgram/cu m has been measured in the air of a community with a known cadmium source. The cadmium content of water generally is less than 1 part per billion although much higher values have been found. The cadmium content in foods varies widely. The estimated intake from foods is 25 to 75 micrograms per day. Food and tobacco smoke are the major sources except in the immediate vicinity of major sources of atmospheric emissions of cadmium. Emphysema and other lung diseases have been related to industrial exposure. Kidney damage has also resulted from long-term exposure to cadmium. Animal experiments link anemia, hypertension, testicular necrosis, and carcinogenesis with cadmium exposure.

"STAR Series"--Cover. "Program element 1AA001." Includes bibliographical references.