Cadmium and solutions of its compounds are toxic, particularly in soluble and respirable forms, being more easily absorbed through inhaled dusts and fumes. Chronic dust or fume exposure can irreversibly damage the lungs, producing shortness of breath and emphysema.
pdf: Health Effects of Cadmium Exposure
Outline of OSHA standards related to cadmium exposures can be found here.
ATSDR ToxFAQs: Cadmium
Read more about Cadmium in our e-Textbook.