HealthAugust 15, 2026

cadmium

KAD-mee-um

Definition

A toxic, naturally occurring metallic element that is often associated with industrial pollution and can cause serious health damage upon exposure.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'cadmia' and Greek 'kadmeia,' both referring to calamine, an ore that contains the metal. It was named by German chemist Friedrich Stromeyer when he isolated it in 1817.

In the news

The article mentions cadmium as an example of an environmental hazard—specifically linked to industrial mining runoff—that has contributed to historical health crises like 'Itai-itai' disease.

Are We Exposed to More Heavy Metals Today?

Read the full article ↗

The Good Men Project

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