A recognised hazard in the manufacture of alloys, cadmium plating and in glass blowing. Cadmium in food from contaminated sewage sludge can be a source of poisoning. The EU Directive on the Quality of Water for Human Consumption lays down 5 milligrams per litre as the upper safe level. Acute exposure causes GASTROENTERITIS and PNEUMONITIS. Long-term exposure can lead to EMPHYSEMA, renal failure (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF) and urinary-tract CALCULI.