Researchers find that exposure to cadmium can increase a man’s risk of erectile dysfunction. Cadmium is among the many toxic chemicals present in cigarette smoke. 

Looking for yet another reason to quit smoking? A recent research study suggests that high blood levels of the heavy metal Cadmium can increase a man’s risk of developing erectile dysfunction. For most American men, smoking is the primary source of cadmium exposure.

According to the study, published in the April 2018 issue of The Journal of Urology, cadmium that is introduced into the body behaves much like zinc, dispersing to all corners. However, unlike zinc, which is a healthy nutrient, cadmium is a known neurotoxin. Injections of high levels of cadmium into male rats have induced ED. And a gradual buildup of cadmium over time is likely to have similar effects on human males.

Certain Workers Exposed to Cadmium

Facing the greatest risk of exposure to cadmium, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are roughly 300,000 American workers whose jobs regularly put them into close contact with the heavy metal. At particularly high risk are those exposed during the smelting and refining of metals and the manufacture of certain batteries, coatings, plastics, and solar panels.

Apart from those working directly with cadmium, smokers — almost 22 million American men — face exposure to cadmium and thousands of other harmful chemicals in the smoke they inhale. Cigarette smoke also contains minute quantities of acetone, ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, methane, and methanol.

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