Considering the three facts that (i) cadmium is similar to zinc and accordingly the biological actions of cadmium(II) ions have been described by some as ionic mimicry with regard to zinc(II) ions, (ii) ZIP8 can be a portal for cadmium entry into cells, and iii) ZIP8 expression in lungs depends on the NF-κB pathway, it is contended that ZIP8 plays a significant role in cadmium toxicity, and the subsequent effects on zinc metabolism, in the smoking-induced lung disease [100]. Here, SLC39A8 is linked to lung disorder.