What is the reference range for Cadmium (Hair)?

The standard reference range for Cadmium (Hair) is Typically <0.2–0.5 µg/g; smokers and those with occupational exposure show higher levels.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Cadmium (Hair)?

Cadmium (Hair) is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Hair Toxic Element Exposure Profile.

Biomarker Reference · Cd

What does the Cadmium (Hair) test measure?

Q: What is Cadmium (Hair)?

Cadmium binds to metallothionein and accumulates in kidney, liver, and keratin tissues over years. Hair cadmium reflects long-term cumulative exposure from tobacco smoke, contaminated food (rice, shellfish), and industrial sources. Renal excretion is extremely slow; body burden persists for decades.

Q: Why is Cadmium (Hair) measured?

Elevated hair cadmium flags chronic exposure, particularly in smokers and occupational settings (battery manufacturing, electroplating). Cadmium is nephrotoxic, accumulates in renal tubules, and is classified as a human carcinogen. Hair testing complements urinary cadmium for exposure assessment, though urine is preferred for estimating body burden in chronic exposure.

Q: Which tests measure Cadmium (Hair)?

Cadmium (Hair) is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Hair Toxic Element Exposure Profile.

Cadmium (Hair) (Cd) is a clinical biomarker used in heavy-metals-toxicology assessment. Cadmium binds to metallothionein and accumulates in kidney, liver, and keratin tissues over years. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Typically <0.2–0.5 µg/g; smokers and those with occupational exposure show higher levels.
Units: µg/g, ppm
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Heavy Metals

Functional medicine optimalLower hair cadmium is preferable given the element's toxicity and long biological half-life; smoking cessation and exposure reduction are primary interventions.

What is Cadmium (Hair)?

Cadmium binds to metallothionein and accumulates in kidney, liver, and keratin tissues over years. Hair cadmium reflects long-term cumulative exposure from tobacco smoke, contaminated food (rice, shellfish), and industrial sources. Renal excretion is extremely slow; body burden persists for decades.

Why is Cadmium (Hair) measured?

Elevated hair cadmium flags chronic exposure, particularly in smokers and occupational settings (battery manufacturing, electroplating). Cadmium is nephrotoxic, accumulates in renal tubules, and is classified as a human carcinogen. Hair testing complements urinary cadmium for exposure assessment, though urine is preferred for estimating body burden in chronic exposure.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Typically <0.2–0.5 µg/g; smokers and those with occupational exposure show higher levels.
Functional medicine optimal: Lower hair cadmium is preferable given the element's toxicity and long biological half-life; smoking cessation and exposure reduction are primary interventions.
Units: µg/g, ppm

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Cadmium (Hair)

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HMT-017Comprehensive

Hair Toxic Element Exposure Profile

Cadmium (Hair) reference range in this test: Typically <0.2–0.5 µg/g; smokers and those with occupational exposure show higher levels.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Aluminium (Hair)Al1 test Arsenic (Hair)As1 test Lead (Hair)Pb1 test Mercury (Hair)Hg1 test Antimony (Hair)Sb1 test Uranium (Hair)U1 test Thallium (Hair)Tl1 test

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