ABSTRACT
The body burden of cadmium, as estimated from 24-h urine cadmium levels, was determined in 1,523 subjects who were not occupationally exposed and who lived in five areas of Belgium. Urinary cadmium levels differed significantly with place of residence. These differences persisted after standardization for the other significant determinants (i.e., age, body mass index, smoking habits, social class, alcohol consumption, and menopause). The highest 24-h urine cadmium levels were found in subjects who lived in areas that contained cadmium-polluted soils. The body burden overload has been attributed mainly to the consumption of locally grown vegetables and the use of contaminated well water for cooking and drinking. Blood cadmium levels were also dependent on place of residence. However, the geographical differences in blood cadmium did not parallel those of urine cadmium. Blood cadmium is more influenced by recent exposure; therefore, this latter observation might reflect the recent implementation of preventive measures in some areas.
Subject(s)
Cadmium , Environmental Exposure , Environmental Pollution , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Belgium , Body Burden , Cadmium/blood , Cadmium/urine , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Rural Population , Socioeconomic Factors , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
Blood lead concentrations (Pb-B, microgram/100 ml) was measured in children and adults, both sexes, living in and around Liège (control group, n = 859) and in the urban center of Verviers (exposed group, n = 568) where houses with lead piping are supplied with corrosive drinking water. In control children, the mean Pb-B increases with age; in control adults the levels are higher than for children, but are independent of age (ranges: males 19.1 - 21.1; females 12.9 - 16.9). In exposed children aged 5-14 years, the mean Pb-B is higher than in young exposed adults: these children constitute thus a high risk group. In the exposed adults, the mean Pb-B rises also with age (ranges: male 24.2 - 33.5; females 19.4 - 32.3). Our epidemiological survey shows that the safety margin of the present EEC figures is acceptable for children exposed to the low and usual urban Pb concentrations.
