Which bag among the following shouldn’t be incinerated as it contains cadmium?
**Core Concept:** Cadmium is a toxic heavy-metal element commonly used in the production of batteries, pigments, and plastics. It is a known carcinogen and poses significant health risks when inhaled or ingested.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is C, which refers to 'battery' because cadmium is widely used as an essential component in making secondary batteries, specifically cadmium-sulfuric acid batteries. These batteries, found in common devices such as remote controls and digital watches, contain cadmium.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Cellulose:** This option refers to cellulose, a polymer of glucose units found in cell walls of plants. Cellulose is not a source of cadmium and does not contain the toxic element.
B. **Cerium:** Cerium is a lanthanide element and does not have cadmium as a component. It is found in some ceramic glazes and fireworks, but not for its toxic properties.
D. **Lead Acid Batteries:** While lead-acid batteries contain cadmium, it is not the primary component responsible for their function. Cadmium is used in some lead-acid batteries, but the correct answer is C (battery) as it highlights the primary hazard associated with cadmium exposure.
**Clinical Pearl:** Cadmium exposure can lead to severe health risks, including lung, kidney, and bone damage. It is essential to handle and dispose of products containing cadmium appropriately, ensuring that no harm is caused to the environment or human health through improper waste management.
**Question:** Which of the following is NOT a side effect of long-term exposure to cadmium?
A. Bone pain
B. Lung fibrosis
C. Gastric ulcers
D. Enhanced wound healing
**Correct Answer:** C, **Gastric ulcers**. Long-term exposure to cadmium can lead to bone pain (Option A), lung fibrosis (Option B), and enhanced wound healing (Option D) due to its toxic effects on various organs and systems. However, cadmium exposure does not typically cause gastric ulcers. Peptic ulcers can be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other factors; it is not directly related to cadmium exposure.
**Why We Choose Correct Answer:** The correct answer is not related to the toxic effects of cadmium. Gastric ulcers are primarily caused by other factors mentioned above.
**Why Wrong Answer Options are Incorrect:**
A. **Bone pain:** Cadmium can cause bone pain due to its toxic effects on bone cells and calcium homeostasis.
B. **Lung fibrosis:** Long-term cadmium exposure can lead to lung fibrosis, a condition characterized by scarring of lung tissue, impairing lung function.
D. **Enhanced wound healing:** Cadmium exposure can promote abnormal wound healing, which may include delayed wound healing, but it does not directly cause gastric ulcers.