CadmiumToxicity-Oregon.pdfVIP

PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Cadmium Toxicity Interim Investigative Guidelines (May 20, 2016) 1. DISEASE REPORTING 1.1 Purpose of Reporting and Surveillance 1. To identify persons with elevated urine cadmium levels. 2. To identify risk factors for high cadmium levels, including proximity to industrial sources of cadmium. 3. To identify specific occupational exposures for follow-up with Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division. 1.2 Laboratory and Physician Reporting Requirements Laboratories and providers must report any finding of cadmium in urine to Local Health Department (LHD) within one working day. 1.3 Local Health Department Reporting and Follow-Up Responsibilities 1. Report all urine cadmium results, including reports of nondetectable results received, to the Oregon Public Health Division (OPHD) by the end of the calendar week. 2. Investigate detectable urine cadmium reports using Orpheus module. 2. THE DISEASE AND ITS EPIDEMIOLOGY 2.1 Etiologic Agent and Sources Cadmium is an element found naturally in the environment, typically as a component of zinc ore deposits in the Earth’s crust. On the periodic table of elements, it is a “transitional metal,” and is commonly referred to as a “heavy metal.” In modern times, cadmium has been widely dispersed into the environment through mining and smelting, as well as through use in certain fertilizers, presence in sewage sludge, and various industrial uses. Occupational exposure to airborne cadmium can occ