cadmium

Occupational exposure to cadmium occurs near mines and smelters; this metal is also used in paint pigments, alloys, solder, electroplating, and batteries. Acute effects are lung edema and irritation. Chronic toxicity affects the kidney.

Cadmium induces the synthesis of metallothionein, a metal-binding protein, in the liver and kidney. When this defense mechanism is overwhelmed, cadmium damages the proximal convoluted tubules, causing proteinuria.