Acute cadmium poisoning in a foreman plater welder.

Poisoning from exposure to fresh cadmium fumes at work has long been described but cases may remain undiagnosed. The diagnosis of acute cadmium poisoning should be considered in any workman who has been occupied in high temperature welding in confined spaces. Surfaces electroplated with cadmium may go unrecognised and present a significant hazard. Freshly formed cadmium oxide fumes may cause pulmonary oedema and hepatic and renal failure, leading to severe illness and even to death. This hazard is entirely preventable with proper fume extraction and awareness on the part of worker and occupational physician alike.