Which one of the following statements about cadmium is false?

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is primarily known for its toxic effects rather than any beneficial physiological roles in the human body. The statement indicating that cadmium helps the body metabolize calcium is false because cadmium does not serve a nutritional purpose or role in calcium metabolism. In fact, exposure to cadmium can interfere with calcium metabolism and contribute to negative health outcomes, such as weakened bone health.

Cadmium is widely recognized for its use in various industrial applications, including as a pigment in various products. Additionally, it is relevant to note that cadmium can be found in tobacco plants, primarily due to the uptake from the soil in which they are grown. Furthermore, cadmium is known to bioaccumulate in organisms, leading to increased concentrations within the food chain, which poses additional health risks.

Thus, the assertion regarding calcium metabolism is false, as cadmium is not beneficial in that context, highlighting its status as a harmful chemical rather than a helpful nutrient.