Neurotoxicity in cadmium-exposed workers

Cadmium (Cd) is a major toxic metal. It is present in soils, sediments, air and water. Unlike most metals, the cadmium use has developed recently and it has large-scale application. The target organs for Cd toxicity in animals include the liver, kidney, lungs, testes, prostate, heart, skeletal system, immune and nervous systems. Nervous system damage induced by Cd are represented by peripheral polyneuropathy and lesions of the basal ganglia leading to parkinsonism and more generally to psychological disorders. The neurotoxic effects described are due to damage of both peripheral and central nervous system. The highly toxic heavy metals, such as cadmium, are environmentally and occupationally widespread pollutants with mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. This metal belongs to the most harmful factors due to their tendency to accumulate in tissues and organs and to transfer along food chains, high reactivity, and the ability to stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and to produce injury in cell functions.