Toxic Metal-Cadmium

\
Cadmium 
Symbol: Cd
Atomic #: 48
Properties: Soft, bluish-white malleable metal, similar to Zinc and Mercury. Found in Zinc ores(In the Cadmium mineral Greenokite).
Electron Configuration: Kr4d105S2
Melting point: 610 Fahrenheit
Usage: Solar Cells, Rechargeable batteries, pigments, coating/plating, plastic stabilizer and alloys

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Cadmium produced today is obtained from Zinc by products and recovered from spent Nickel-Cadmium batteries.

History:
Cadmium was discovered in Germany in 1817, used as a pigment because of its ability to produce brilliant yellow, orange and red colors. Because an important metal in the production of Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), rechargeable batteries and as a sacrificial corrosion protection coating for iron and steel. Cadmium is also in Nuclear reactors where it acts as a neutron absorber. New market opportunities for Cadmium involve industrial applications of Ni-Cd batteries will continue to fuel Cadmium use. China, South Korea and Japan are the leading producer of Cadmium in the World followed by North America. 

Toxicity: 
Cadmium is highly toxic, known to cause cancer-especially Cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive and respiratory system. OSHA estimated that 300,000 workers are exposed to Cadmium in the U.S. Cadmium affects workers in manufacturing, construction, recycling of electronic parts. Workers are exposed during smelting and refining of metals, manufacturing batteries, plastics and coating and solar panels. 
Waste collectors are potentially exposed to dust that may contain Cd-The incineration of municipal waste is also a source of Cd. 

Health/environmental Concerns: 
Airborne Cadmium is from burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Cadmium can also be found in food, the application of Phosphate fertilizers or sewage sludge to farm fields. Smokers have about twice as much Cadmium in their bodies as do nonsmokers. 

Chronic inhalation or oral exposure of Cadmium can cause kidney diseases such as Proteinuna, a decrease in glomerular rate, frequency of Kidney stone. Cadmium can also cause reproductive/developmental issues in human such as a reduction sperm number viability, decreased birth weights, low fetal weight, skeletal malformation, impaired neurological development, decreased reproduction and testicular damage. EPA considers Cadmium to be a probable human carcinogen.

Community Gardening in the United States

Community Garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people. The term "community garden" is favored in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The purpose of community garden  is not only to produce fresh vegetables and fruit, but to provide the sense of community, connection to the environment, satisfying labor and neighborhood improvement. 

Community gardens are publicly functioning regarding ownership, access and management. 

The types of community garden vary. In North America,community gardens range from "victory green" to "greening project." Victory Garden is small plots of vegetables. Greening project is to preserve natural areas such as tiny street beautification planters on urban street corners. 

In the United Kingdom and Europe, allotment gardens are popular. The allotment gardens are dozens of plots, usually hundreds of square meters and rented by the same family generations. 

In developing countries, there are small plots that are used for mini-truck farms.

Community gardens have public health benefits. Because of global warming, there was a decrease of agricultural output. Then fresh vegetables and fruit became unaffordable. The products from community gardens took care of food security. Community gardens also protects the community. Active communities experience less crime and vandalism. 

Ownership can be complicated. Some gardens are public and some are private. Some are grown collectively; everyone worked together.Some are split into clearly divided plots. There is a "common area" and individual/family plots. The members of the community garden pay annual dues to keep up with the garden. 

The examples of community gardens are different in different regions of the world. 

In Spain, potlucks and paellas are in demand. Strong family ties often keep them from retiring to the countryside urban community. Community gardens are in great demand.

The United Kingdom, the plots are rented to individuals for cultivation by local authorities. Using allotment areas as open space or play areas is discouraged. The gardens are usually in a built-up area and it is typically run by non-profit organizations. 

Taiwan is still working on community gardens. Because of river flood banks and other not suitable areas for urban construction,construction of community gardens became illegal/legal community gardens. Community gardens are referred as Taipei organic acupuncture of the industrial city.