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Cadmium Is Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:48:54 EST

New research indicates that women with higher levels of cadmium in their diets are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who consume less of the heavy metal, reports the LA Times. The study, conducted in Sweden, followed approximately 56,000 women for over 12 years to record their diets and breast cancer diagnoses.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified cadmium as a probable human carcinogen and notes that oral exposure in animals results in harmful effects on the kidneys, liver, and bones, as well as the immune, blood, and nervous systems.
 
For nonsmokers, food may be the biggest source of cadmium exposure, and whole grains, potatoes, other root vegetables, and shellfish have particularly high levels.
 
Furthermore, inhalation of cadmium is a serious occupational hazard, and the heavy metal has a number of industrial applications, including metal-plating and the manufacture of pigments, plastics, and batteries. According to the EPA, it can also be emitted into the air from zinc, lead, and copper smelting, the incineration of waste material, and the burning of fossil fuels. Even a single exposure to airborne cadmium can cause long-lasting damage to the lungs, in addition to various other health effects, remarks the agency.
 
'EMSL Analytical, one of the nation's largest commercial laboratories, provides testing services for cadmium and other heavy metals,' reported Shannon Kauffman, Metals Laboratory Supervisor at EMSL. 'We can help companies ensure cadmium levels are within permissible limits through advanced heavy metal testing services.'
 
To learn more about testing for cadmium or other services please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.