study of placental distribution and transfer of lead and cadmium in urban and rural inhabitants

Distribution of lead and cadmium was studied in 10 placentas. Samples were taken from 3 different lobules [central, paracentral and peripheral] and lead and cadmium concentrations were determined. Our results revealed that both metals were distributed uniformly in the placenta as there were no significant differences between the tested samples [P > 0.05].Lead and cadmium concentrations were also determined in homogenized placental samples, maternal blood and umbilical cord blood from urban areas [n = 25] and rural areas [n = 25] in Cairo and Giza. Our results showed that the levels of lead and cadmium in the maternal and umbilical cord blood were significantly higher in urban population than in rural ones. Moreover, the mean lead concentration in the placenta was 1.5 and 2.3 times higher than that in the maternal and cord blood, while placental cadmium concentration was 1.6 and 1.3 times higher than that in the maternal and cord blood respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that the placenta is a suitable material for monitoring environmental lead and cadmium exposure and its placating effect is unable to totally prevent the foetus from exposure to these metals, thus we suggest that the pregnant women should avoid occupations where exposure to these elements is possible especially for urban population which is considered to be high risk group especially for lead exposure