Which health threat is related to Cadmium exposure from gardening?

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is toxic to humans and can have severe health effects, particularly when exposure occurs over a long period. In the context of gardening, cadmium can be absorbed by plants from contaminated soil or water, which can then enter the human body through the consumption of these plants.

The primary health threat associated with cadmium exposure is kidney damage. Cadmium has a high affinity for renal tissue, and chronic exposure can lead to renal dysfunction and damage. This includes proteinuria (the presence of excess protein in urine), which is an early sign of kidney impairment. Prolonged exposure may ultimately result in more serious kidney disease or failure.

While skin irritation, respiratory issues, and nausea can be repercussions of cadmium exposure, they are less directly related to gardening activities. Skin irritation is more often associated with direct contact with cadmium compounds rather than ingestion through food sources. Respiratory issues are typically linked to inhalation of cadmium dust rather than gardening-related exposures. Nausea can arise from various types of poisoning or heavy metal exposure, but it is not the primary concern with cadmium, especially in the context of gardening, where the emphasis is on consumption of contaminated produce rather than inhalation. Thus, kidney damage is the