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The kidney is one of the most sensitive organs to cadmium-induced toxicity, particularly in conditions of long-term oxidative stress. We hypothesized that, in kidney transplant recipients, nephrotoxic exposure to cadmium represents an overlooked hazard for optimal graft function. To test this, we performed a prospective cohort study and included 672 outpatient kidney transplant recipients with a functioning graft of beyond one year. The median plasma cadmium was 58 ng/L. During a median 4.9 years of follow-up, 78 kidney transplant recipients developed graft failure with a significantly different distribution across tertiles of plasma cadmium (13, 26, and 39 events, respectively). Plasma cadmium was associated with an increased risk of graft failure (hazard ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.56-2.47 per log(2) ng/L). Similarly, a dose-response relationship was observed over increasing tertiles of plasma cadmium, after adjustments for potential confounders (donor, recipient, transplant and lifestyle characteristics), robust in both competing risk and sensitivity analyses. These findings were also consistent for kidney function decline (graft failure or doubling of serum creatinine). Thus, plasma cadmium is independently associated with an increased risk of long-term kidney graft failure and decline in kidney function. Further studies are needed to investigate whether exposure to cadmium represents an otherwise overlooked modifiable risk factor for adverse long-term graft outcomes in different populations.

Low-level cadmium exposure has been linked to chronic diseases, but the importance of marijuana use as a source of cadmium remains unknown. We aimed to determine the association of marijuana use with blood cadmium (BCd) and urinary cadmium (UCd) levels.We abstracted data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2009-2016. We modeled lifetime marijuana exposure accounting for both duration and frequency of exposure. We used adjusted ratio of geometric means (ARM) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to compare outcomes among groups of marijuana exposure, relative to never users. The UCd level was adjusted for creatinine excretion.We included 163,250 adults (mean age, 38.7 years; 50% women). The ARM of BCd was 1.28 (95% CI = 1.04, 1.57), 1.40 (95% CI = 1.11, 1.76), and 1.77 (95% CI = 1.51, 2.09) in current users with2 uses per week, 2-3 uses per week, and ≥4 uses per week, respectively. Marijuana use for ≥15 years was associated with both higher cadmium burden in adults with2 uses per week (ARM of 1.30 (95% CI = 1.04-1.62) for BCd and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.05, 2.09) for UCd or ≥4 uses per week (ARM of 1.69 (95% CI = 1.40, 2.05) for BCd and 1.38 (95% CI = 1.11, 1.72) for UCd. In former users, marijuana use was significantly associated with higher UCd levels in those with ≥15 years of use [ARM of 1.39 (95% CI = 1.14, 1.69) for those with2 uses/week and 1.51 (95% CI = 1.19, 1.92) for those with ≥4 uses/week].The BCd level was higher in both current and former marijuana users than in never users. Marijuana use was also associated with higher UCd levels after a long-term use.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between levels of blood and urinary cadmium and lipid balance in a group of outdoor workers. The study was conducted on a group of 146 individuals (average age 45,1 ± 8,5). Blood and urinary samples were collected for the detection of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood cadmium and urinary cadmium. We divided the group of workers into two subgroups according to the task:75 traffic policemen and 71 police drivers. Gender differences were found. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed a positive association between blood and urinary cadmium levels and total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher in the group of traffic policemen than in police drivers. In conclusion, the results suggest a statistically significant association between blood and urinary cadmium levels and lipid balance contributing to an increase of the cardiovascular risk.

To determine the association between hearing loss and environmental lead, cadmium, and selenium exposure, a total of 1503 American adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011∼2012) were assessed. The average of 4 audiometric frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) was used to identify speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL), while the average of 3 audiometric frequencies (3, 4, and 6 kHz) was used to identify high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL). HFHL adjusted Odds ratios (ORs) determined by comparing the highest and lowest blood lead and cadmium quartiles were 1.98 (95%CI: 1.27, 3.10) and 1.81 (95%CI: 1.13, 2.90), respectively. SFHL was significant associated with blood cadmium with the OR = 2.42 for the highest quartile. When further stratified by age, this association appeared to be limited to adults aged 35-52 years. After stratified by gender, except for lead and cadmium, we observed that blood selenium showed a dose-dependent association with SFHL in men. In women, only cadmium showed a dose-dependent association with speech and high frequency hearing loss. Hearing loss was positively associated with blood levels of lead and cadmium. Additionally, our study provided novel evidence suggesting that excessive selenium supplement would increase SFHL risk in men.

Background and Objectives: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and a history of exposure to noxious stimuli. Cigarette smoking is the most important causal factor for developing COPD. Cadmium, a minor metallic element, is one of the main inorganic components in tobacco smoke. Inhaled cadmium was associated with a decline in lung function, gas exchange impairment, and the development of obstructive lung disease. Patients with COPD who had oxygen desaturation during the 6-min walk test (6MWT) had a significantly worse prognosis than non-desaturation in COPD patients. Nonetheless, few studies have addressed the influence of blood cadmium levels on exercise-induced oxygen desaturation in COPD patients. Our objective was to assess the potential impact of blood cadmium levels on oxygen desaturation during the 6MWT among COPD patients. Materials and Methods: we performed a retrospective analysis of patients with COPD who were examined for blood cadmium levels in a tertiary care referral center in Taiwan, between March 2020 and May 2021. The 6-min walk test was performed. Normal control subjects who had no evidence of COPD were also enrolled. Results: a total of 73 COPD patients were analyzed and stratified into the high-blood cadmium group (13 patients) and low-blood cadmium group (60 patients). A total of 50 normal control subjects without a diagnosis of COPD were enrolled. The high-blood cadmium group had a significantly higher extent of desaturation than the low-blood cadmium group. The frequency of desaturation during 6MWT revealed a stepwise-increasing trend with an increase in blood cadmium levels. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that blood cadmium levels were independently associated with desaturation during the 6MWT (odds ratio 12.849 [95% CI 1.168–141.329], p = 0.037). Conclusions: our findings indicate that blood cadmium levels, within the normal range, were significantly associated with desaturation during 6MWT in patients with COPD.

Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2013–2016 were used to compare observed levels of cadmium, lead, and total mercury in blood among US residents aged ≥12 years who were users of cigars, cigarettes, cigars and cigarettes, e-cigarettes and dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Total sample size available for analysis was 1139. Adjusted geometric means (AGM) among cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette, cigarette and cigar, and cigarette-e-cigarette users were comparable for blood cadmium lead, and total mercury. Cigar only users had lower AGM than cigar and cigarette users for total mercury (0.56 vs. 0.97 μg/L, p = 0.03). There is no evidence yet that can show concentrations of blood and urine cadmium, lead, and mercury among e-cigarette users are any different than among cigarette and/or dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

We examined the relationships between blood heavy metals [cadmium (B-Cd), mercury (B-Hg), and lead (B-Pb)] and heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), JT interval (JTc), and QRS complex duration (QRSc), electrocardiogram markers of ventricular repolarization and depolarization among 60 traffic enforcers in the MMDA traffic enforcers' health study. We fitted regression models to estimate the mean change effect on QTc, JTc, and QRSc, of B-Cd, B-Hg, and B-Pb concentrations, adjusted for potential confounding factors. We looked at effect modification by sex and smoking status. An interquartile range increase in B-Cd (0.9 μg/L) was related to a 6.6% increase in mean QRSc [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5, 10.8], and a 1.7% increase in mean QTc (95% CI: 0.2, 3.3). We also found that the associations between B-Cd and QRSc and QTc were higher among participants who were never smokers than ever smokers. Moreover, the association between B-Cd and QRSc was also higher among males than females.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL), the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) and the benchmark dose low (BMDL) of cadmium exposure by re-evaluation of the dose–response relationship between cumulative cadmium exposure and renal tubular damage reported previously. Methods: The participants were workers (326 men and 114 women) employed for at least three months between 1931 and 1982. Blood cadmium (Cd-B) and air cadmium (Cd-A) were collected at regular intervals with urinary β2-microglobulin as the tubular effect marker. Cumulative Cd-A and Cd-B were estimated by multiplying concentration and working period. The BMDL was calculated using Benchmark Dose Software (version 3.1.2). The benchmark response (BMR) was set at 5% or 10%. Results: By logistic regression, the NOAEL of mean cumulative Cd-B was 7122 months nmol/L. The LOAEL of cumulative Cd-A and least-squares cumulative Cd-B was 691 yrs μg/m3 and 8586 months nmol/L, respectively. Among various models for dose–response relationships, a probit model was adopted as the best fitting model. The obtained BMDLs of cumulative Cd-A were 272.3 yrs µg/m3 (BMR5%) and 707.5 yrs µg/m3 (BMR10%). The BMDLs of mean cumulative Cd-B were 3967.2 months nmol/L (BMR5%) and 7798.1 months nmol/L (BMR10%). The BMDLs of least-squares cumulative Cd-B were 3588.6 months nmol/L (BMR5%) and 8616.3 months nmol/L (BMR10%). Assuming a working period of 40 years, the BMDLs for BMR10% corresponded to 17.7 µg/m3 (Cd-A) and 1.8~2.0 µg/L (Cd-B). Discussion: This study provides new valuable information to enhance the reliability of limit values and thereby make a significant contribution to preventing the health effects of Cd in exposed workers.

This study compares the heavy metal exposure levels of the population of abandoned metal mines, with high risks of environmental pollution and health effects. We used data from a two-stage abandoned metal mines survey (AMS, n = 4467). The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS) were used as general population data. Based on the sex and age distribution in the AMS, a simple random sampling was performed, so that the two datasets had the same distribution (KNHANES n = 1815, KNEHS n = 2328). Blood lead concentrations were slightly higher in the AMS than in KNEHS. Blood cadmium concentrations were similar between the two groups. However, the difference in urine cadmium concentrations was pronounced and statistically significant. Moreover, 30.6% of the AMS data for urine cadmium concentration exceeded the 95th percentile of the KNEHS data. The concentration of lead and cadmium in the residents of the abandoned metal mines, i.e., the vulnerable regions, was higher than that in the general population. It is necessary to monitor and manage the vulnerable regions via a more active and extensive survey system.

We assessed whether blood cadmium levels were associated with incident lung cancer and could be used in the context of a screening program for early-stage lung cancer.We measured blood cadmium levels among 205 lung cancer patients and 205 matched controls. Cases and controls were matched for sex, age and smoking history (total pack-years, years since cessation for former smokers).The odds ratio for those in the highest quartile of cadmium level (versus lowest) was four-fold (OR = 4.41, 95 % CI:2.01-9.67, p 0.01). The association was present in former smokers (OR = 16.8, 95 % CI:3.96-71.2, p 0.01), but not in current smokers (OR = 1.23, 95 % CI: 0.34-4.38) or in never smokers (OR not defined). Among former smokers, the association was present in both early- and late-stage lung cancer.Blood cadmium levels may be a marker to help with the early detection of lung cancer among former smokers.

Few studies have investigated the extent to which diet predicts body Cd concentrations among women of reproductive age, and pregnant women in particular. The aim of this study was to examine diet as a predictor of blood Cd concentrations in pregnant women participating in the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples were analysed for Cd (median 0.26 (IQR 0.14&ndash, 0.54) &micro, g/L). Dietary pattern scores were derived from principal components analysis of data from a food frequency questionnaire. Associations between dietary pattern scores and foods/food groups with blood Cd &ge, median value were identified using adjusted logistic regression (n = 2,169 complete cases). A health conscious dietary pattern was associated with a reduced likelihood of B-Cd &ge, 0.26 &micro, g/l (OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.39&ndash, 0.81)).&nbsp, There were similarly reduced likelihoods for all leafy green and green vegetables (0.72 (0.56&ndash, 0.92) when consumed &ge, 4 times/week vs &le, 1 to &ge, 3 times/week) and with all meats (0.66 (0.46&ndash, 0.95) when consumed &ge, once in 2 weeks). Sensitivity analysis excluding smokers showed similar results. The evidence from this studyprovides continued support for a healthy and varied diet in pregnancy, incorporating foods from all food groups in accordance with national recommendations, without the need for specific guidance.

Heavy metals exposure has been widely recognized as a risk factor for human health. However, limited information is available about the impacts of heavy metals on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, we estimated the associations of 3 blood and 11 urinary metals with the risk of RA among 49830 U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2018. In the single-exposure model, blood cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), urinary Cd, Pb, antimony (Sb), tungsten (Tu), and uranium (Ur) were identified to be positively associated with RA risk. Furthermore, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile-based g computation (qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analyses consistently showed that both blood and urinary metals-mixed exposure were positively correlated with the risk of RA, and highlighted that Cd and Pb were responsible for the outcomes. Such associations were more evident in the young and middle-aged population. These findings indicated that exposure to heavy metals increased RA risk, and advanced the identification of risk factors for RA.

Background Mexico City has air, water and food pollution problems; however, human exposure to cadmium and its sources have not been described. Objectives To determine the blood cadmium (BCd) level and its main exposure sources among males aged 40 years or older living in different areas of Mexico City. Methods After receiving informed consent, we interviewed 702 males aged ≥40 years to collect data on their sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime occupation, smoking history, and dietary habits, using a validated questionnaire. The BCd level (μg/L) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results The BCd mean level ± SD was 2.61 ± 0.82 μg/L, and 20% of men reported a potential cadmium occupational exposure. After adjusting for age and other potential confounders, the main determinants of the BCd level were the current smoking status at interview, with low (β≤8.5packs/year vs. non-smoker = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.28–0.64 μg/L; p 8.5 packs/year vs. non-smoker = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56–0.87 μg/L; p 1–3servings/month vs. No = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.01–0.26 μg/L; p Conclusions The BCd levels observed in this population are high and only similar to those observed in workers from a sanitary landfill area in Southern Thailand. Potential environmental Cd exposure sources, such as industrial activity and previous land use, in the West and Center areas of the city should be explored in detail, especially in vulnerable population groups, such as children.

We aim to explore the association between blood heavy metal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and mercury with ever-report of eczema in the US population.We used NHANES cross-sectional data from 2005-2006. Eczema was measured among 4509 adults and 3898 non-adults. The association between eczema and tertiles of concentrations of cadmium, lead, mercury was estimated using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for different confounding variables. The estimation was also stratified by gender.The prevalence of ever-report of eczema was 7.63% in adults and 13.42% in non-adults. None of the heavy metals was significantly associated with increased ORs of eczema after potential confounding variables were adjusted in the models. Our results remained null after stratifying for gender.Blood cadmium, lead, and mercury were not associated with reports of eczema in general US population.

Low-level cadmium exposure has adverse effects on chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the risk factors for elevated blood cadmium levels (BCLs) have not been studied in CKD. We conducted a cross-sectional investigation in 200 CKD patients and stratified them by the tertiles of BCL to compare their demographic, environmental, and biochemical data. The factors associated with BCL were identified, and their effects were examined in subgroups. In the analyses, female sex, smoking, and CKD stage 5D were associated with high BCL, and statin was inversely correlated with BCL (odds ratio [95% confidence interval, CI], 6.858 [2.381–19.746], p < 0.001, 11.719 [2.843–48.296], p = 0.001, 30.333 [2.252–408.520], p = 0.010, and 0.326 [0.122–0.873], p = 0.026; deviations of BCL [nmol/L, 95% CI], 2.66 [1.33–4.00], p < 0.001, 3.68 [1.81–5.56], p < 0.001, 3.38 [0.95–5.82], p = 0.007, and −2.07 [−3.35–−0.78], p = 0.002). These factors were also independently correlated with BCL in subgroups, including non-dialysis CKD, hypertensive patients, non-smokers, and male patients. In conclusion, female sex, smoking, and CKD stage 5D were the major risk factors for elevated BCL; additionally, statins were negatively associated with BCL in CKD.

Background There have been increasing concerns over health effects of low level exposure to cadmium, especially those on bones and kidneys. Objective To explore how age-adjusted geometric means of blood cadmium in adults varied by race/Hispanic origin, sex, and smoking status among U.S. adults and the extent to which the difference in blood cadmium by race/Hispanic origin and sex may be explained by intensity of smoking, a known major source of cadmium exposure. Methods Our sample included 7,368 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. With direct age adjustment, geometric means of blood cadmium and number of cigarettes smoked per day were estimated for subgroups defined by race/Hispanic origin, smoking status, and sex using interval regression, which allows mean estimation in the presence of left- and right-censoring. Results Among never and former smoking men and women, blood cadmium tended to be higher for non-Hispanic Asian adults than adults of other race/Hispanic origin. Among current smokers, who generally had higher blood cadmium than never and former smokers, non-Hispanic white, black, and Asian adults had similarly elevated blood cadmium compared to Hispanic adults. A separate analysis revealed that non-Hispanic white adults tended to have the highest smoking intensity regardless of sex, than adults of the other race/Hispanic origin groups. Conclusions The observed pattern provided evidence for smoking as a major source of cadmium exposure, yet factors other than smoking also appeared to contribute to higher blood cadmium of non-Hispanic Asian adults.

Immigrant women are often identified as being particularly vulnerable to environmental exposures and health effects. The availability of biomonitoring data on newcomers is limited, thus, presenting a challenge to public health practitioners in the identification of priorities for intervention.In fulfillment of data needs, the purpose of this study was to characterize blood concentrations of cadmium (Cd) among newcomer women of reproductive age (19-45 years of age) living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada and to assess potential sources of environmental exposures.A community-based model, engaging peer researchers from the communities of interest, was used for recruitment and follow-up purposes. Blood samples were taken from a total of 211 newcomer women from South and East Asia, representing primary, regional origins of immigrants to the GTA, and environmental exposure sources were assessed via telephone survey. Metal concentrations were measured in blood samples (diluted with 0.5% (v/v) ammonium hydroxide and 0.1% (v/v) octylphenol ethoxylate) using a quadrupole ICP-MS. Survey questions addressed a wide range of environmental exposure sources, including dietary and smoking patterns and use of nutritional supplements, herbal products and cosmetics.A geometric mean (GM) blood Cd concentration of 0.39µg/L (SD:±2.07µg/L) was determined for study participants (min/max:0.045µg/L (LOD)/2.36µg/L). Several variables including low educational attainment (Relative Ratio (RR) (adjusted)=1.50; 95% CI 1.17-1.91), milk consumption (RR (adjusted)=0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.97), and use of zinc supplements (RR (adjusted)=0.76; 95% CI 0.64-0.95) were observed to be significantly associated with blood Cd concentrations in the adjusted regression model. The variable domains socioeconomic status (RBlood Cd concentrations fell below those generally considered to be of human health concern. However, negative health effects cannot be entirely excluded, especially for those that fall in the upper percentile range of the distribution, given the mounting evidence for negative health outcomes at low environmental exposure concentrations.

We aimed to explore the trends of blood cadmium (bCd) concentrations among workers and non-workers in the United States.We used serial cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003 to 2012), including 23,243 subjects aged 20 and above. We used linear regression to analyze the trends of bCd levels adjusting for demographic variables and smoking status, stratified by occupations.The geometric mean of bCd levels was 0.362 μg/L. Only 0.21% had elevated bCd concentrations (≥5 μg/L). Women, older age, ethnic minorities, people of lower socio economic status (SES), current smokers, blue-collars, and non-workers tended to have higher bCd levels. The bCd concentrations were stable through years in workers (n = 12,787), but had a decline from 0.532 to 0.476 μg/L (P-trend = 0.006) in non-workers (n = 10,456).Cd exposure in the United States has been controlled to a safe level. Special protective measures should be taken for the lower SES group and blue-collars.

Background To evaluate whether blood markers of lead, cadmium, and mercury can improve prediction for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality when added individually, jointly, or as an integrative index/Environmental Risk Score (ERS), in a model with established risk factors. Methods and Results Our study sample comprised 16 028 adults aged ≥40 years who were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2012 and followed up through December 31, 2015. The study sample was randomly split into training for the ERS construction (n=8043) and testing for the evaluation of prediction performance (n=7985). ERS was computed using elastic‐net penalized Cox's model based on the selected metal predictors predicting CVD mortality. During median follow‐up of 7.2 years, 517 died from CVD. In the training set, linear terms of cadmium and mercury, squared terms of lead and mercury, and all 3 pairwise interactions were selected by elastic‐net for ERS construction. In the testing set, the C‐statistic increased from 0.845 when only established CVD risk factors were in the model to 0.854 when the ERS was additionally added to the model. Addition of all linear, squared, and pairwise interaction terms of blood metals to the Cox's models improved C‐statistic from 0.845 to 0.857. The improvement remained significant when it was assessed by net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement. Conclusions Our findings suggest that blood markers of toxic metals can improve CVD risk prediction over the established risk factors and highlight their potential utility for CVD risk assessment, prevention, and precision health.

Environmental exposure to metals is ubiquitous, but its relation to androgen hormone levels is not well understood, especially in children and adolescents. This study aimed to explore the relationship between blood metal concentrations (lead, cadmium, total mercury, selenium, and manganese) and serum total testosterone (TT) levels in 6-19-year-old children and adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. Weighted multivariable linear regression models using NHANES sampling weights were employed to evaluate the association between log-transformed serum TT and each metal categories in male and female children (age 6-11years) and adolescents (age 12-19 years). We established that blood cadmium and manganese levels were associated with significantly higher serum TT levels in the female adolescents. Additionally, the blood selenium levels in male adolescents were related to significantly higher serum TT. No significant associations between blood lead or total mercury levels and TT were observed in children or adolescents of either sex. These findings suggest that environmental exposure to certain metals could affect serum TT levels in adolescents, which might have important implications for the health of adolescents. Further research is required to confirm and extend our present findings.

Lead (Pb) interferes with various bodily functions. Although high blood Pb (Pb-B) levels in residents from Kabwe, Zambia have been reported, the accumulation pattern of other metals remains unknown. The study was designed to determine the Pb-B, blood cadmium (Cd-B), and zinc (Zn-B) values of 504 representative samples from Kabwe, as well as the potential associated adverse health effects. The Pb-B level ranged from 0.79 to 154.75 mu g/dL and generally increased in areas near the mine. A significant elevation of Cd-B was observed in two areas (0.37 +/- 0.26 and 0.32 +/- 0.30 mu g/L) where the two highest mean Pb-B levels were recorded. By contrast, the Zn-B values did not differ greatly with respect to area. Some blood biochemical parameters relating to hepatic and renal functions were out of the normal range in approximately 20-50% of studied adult participants. The delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta -ALAD) activity was significantly inhibited in the two areas contaminated by Pb and Cd. A significant negative relationship was observed between metal levels and clinical parameters, e.g., between Pb-B and delta -ALAD for all the age categories and between Cd-B and the estimated glomerular filtration rate for all the age categories except 0-4 years. The elevated Cd-B in areas near the mine relative to the other areas suggested the potential adverse health effects of Cd and/or the interaction of Pb and Cd. A significant association of metal levels with clinical parameters also indicated the effects of metal exposure on hematopoietic, hepatic, and renal systems. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Although the benefits of fish consumption are widely recognized, seafood may also be a source of exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium. Many types of seafood are rich in cadmium, but bioavailability and potential for toxicity after consumption is less clear. This study investigates the relationship between seafood intake and the level of cadmium (Cd) in the blood in a 252 person cohort of avid seafood consumers in the Long Island Study of Seafood Consumption (New York). Blood cadmium is an established biomarker of cadmium exposure, reflecting both recent and decade-long exposure. Data on the amounts and frequency of eating various types of seafood were self-reported by avid seafood consumers recruited in 2011–2012. After adjusting for age, BMI, sex, current smoking status, and income in a linear regression model, we found no association between regular seafood intake ( β = −0.01; p = 0.11) but did identify an association between salmon intake in cups/week (ln transformed) ( β = 0.20; p = 0.001) and blood cadmium. After accounting for salmon, no other types of seafood were meaningfully associated with blood cadmium. No association was found between rice intake, blood zinc, or dietary iron or calcium and blood cadmium. Results suggest that seafood is not a major source of cadmium exposure, but that salmon intake does marginally increase blood cadmium levels. Given that cadmium levels in salmon are not higher than those in many other seafood species, the association with salmon intake is likely attributed to higher consumption of salmon in this population.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the blood level of cadmium and the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy. Forty-one (41) case patients with ectopic pregnancy and 41 uncomplicated intrauterine pregnant patients as controls were recruited. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were measured from blood samples using atomic absorption spectrometry. The cases and controls were similar in age, body mass index, and smoking habits. The median blood level of Cd was 0.32 μg/l (interquartile range [IQR] 0.00–0.71) in the women with ectopic pregnancies and 0.34 μg/l (IQR 0.09–0.59) in the controls. There was no significant association between blood cadmium levels and ectopic pregnancy.

Few studies have investigated the association between serum uric acid (UA) and cadmium exposure. Our previous study revealed a significantly higher blood cadmium (CdB) level in the Chinese population compared to populations in other countries. To determine whether CdB in Chinese adults is associated with serum UA and hyperuricemia, 2996 participants from the cross-sectional SPECT-China study were recruited. CdB was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Hyperuricemia was defined as a serum UA concentration ≥416.4 μmol/L for men and ≥356.9 μmol/L for women. Regression analyses were used to analyze the association of CdB with serum UA and hyperuricemia. We found that the median CdB level was higher in men with hyperuricemia (2.40 μg/L) than in men without hyperuricemia (1.98 μg/L, P 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Further, the odds ratio of hyperuricemia increased with increasing CdB quartiles (P for trend

BiOCl-SiO2 KIT-6 composite materials with raspberry-like structures are facilely prepared under hydrothermal conditions. The mesoporous siliceous support of SiO2 KIT-6-incorporated BiOCl with enlarged yet refined surface morphology characterized by physiochemical methods exhibits an improved electrochemical performance. A sensitive electrochemical detection method of cadmium concentration using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry was developed based on BiOCl-SiO2 KIT-6 composite-modified glassy carbon electrodes, which displayed wide linear ranges of 0.5 to 10 μg/L and 10 to 300 μg/L and a detection limit of 65 ng/L. The sensitive, versatile and eco-friendly sensor was successfully applied for the determination of cadmium-spiked human blood samples.

To elucidate the influence of cadmium exposure on bone metabolism, associations between urinary/blood cadmium and bone resorption/formation markers were investigated in older cadmium exposed men and women. Increased urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), a bone resorption marker, was found to be associated with increased levels of parathyroid hormone, fractional excretion of calcium, and urinary/blood cadmium after adjusting for confounding factors in men. In women, urinary NTx was significantly associated with only urinary cadmium and a strong relationship with increased fractional excretion of calcium. Risk for bone metabolic disorders, indicated by high urinary NTx, significantly increased in men with blood cadmium ≥ 10 μg/L or urinary cadmium ≥ 10 μg/g creatinine. Increased osteocalcin level was significantly associated with increased blood cadmium in men. In conclusion, cadmium exposure appeared to have an influence on bone remodeling both bone resorption and formation in this population of older Thai men, and blood cadmium was more closely associated with bone metabolism than urinary cadmium.

In Brazil, there are scarce data on lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination, especially for more vulnerable populations such as preschool children. In this paper, we answer two questions: (1) What are the exposure levels of lead and cadmium in preschool children, in Sao Paulo, Brazil? and (2) What are the risk factors associated with this exposure? This cross-sectional study included 50 day care centers (DCCs), totaling 2463 children aged 1–4 years. Venous blood samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. Questionnaires were administered to the parents. Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify associations between blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood cadmium levels (BCLs) and potential risk factors. The geometric mean for BLLs was 2.16 μg/dL (95% CI: 2.10–2.22 μg/dL), and the 97.5th percentile was 13.9 μg/dL (95% CI: 10.0–17.3 μg/dL). For cadmium exposure, the geometric mean for BCLs was 0.48 μg/L (95% CI: 0.47–0.50 μg/L), and the 95th percentile was 2.57 μg/L (95% CI: 2.26–2.75 μg/L). The DCCs’ geographic region was associated with high BLLs and BCLs, indicating hot spots for lead and cadmium exposures. In addition, it was found that the higher the vehicles flow, the higher were the BLLs in children. Red lead in household gates was also an important risk factor for lead exposure. Comparing these results with the findings of the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals by CDC-2013, it was found that in Brazilian preschool children the BLLs are almost three times higher (97.5th percentile) and the BCLs are almost twelve times higher (95th percentile) than those in U.S. children. This information is essential to formulate public health policies.

Background It has been reported that smokeless tobacco (SLT) chewing can lead to caners of oral cavity. In this study, the relationship between cadmium exposure via consumption of different SLT products by patients with oral cancer with related to referents belongs to different cities of Pakistan are investigated. Methods The cadmium in different types of SLT products (gutkha, mainpuri and snuff) consumed by studied population and biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of cancerous and healthy subjects were analyzed. Both referents and patients with cancer have same age group (ranged 30–60 years), socioeconomic status, localities, and dietary habits. The concentrations of cadmium in SLT products and biological samples were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked by certified reference materials. Results It was estimated that 10 g intake of different types of gutkha, mainpuri, and snuff could contribute, 18–40%, 15.7–33.6%, and 14–68% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of cadmium, respectively for adults (60 kg). The results of present study showed that the mean value of cadmium was significantly higher in scalp hair and blood samples of patients with oral cancer as compared to those results obtained for referents (P

Gender differences in blood cadmium concentrations and the effect of iron deficiency on blood cadmium levels were analyzed in a representative sample of Koreans assessed in the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008-2011.A rolling sampling design was used to perform a complex, stratified, multistage probability cluster survey of a representative sample of the non-institutionalized civilian population in South Korea. Serum ferritin was categorized as low (15.0 μg/L), low normal (15.0-30.0 μg/L for females and 15.0-50.0 μg/L for males), and normal (≥30.0 μg/L for females and ≥50.0 μg/L for males), and its association with blood cadmium levels was assessed after adjustment for various demographic and lifestyle factors.The geometric mean (GM) of the blood cadmium level was significantly higher in females than in males, and significantly higher in older individuals for both genders. After controlling for covariates, multiple regression analysis with interaction terms showed that blood cadmium was correlated with serum ferritin levels only in pre-menopausal females.Iron deficiency is associated with blood cadmium levels in a representative sample of pre-menopausal females, as evaluated in KNHANES. Gender differences in blood cadmium concentration may not be due solely to an iron deficiency-associated increase in blood cadmium.

Discrepancies have been reported in the relationships between iron and cadmium concentrations. The distribution of blood cadmium concentrations was assessed in a representative sample of Korean adolescents participating in the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010–2011, and the association between blood cadmium and iron concentrations was determined. This study was based on data from KNHANES, in which a rolling sampling design was used to perform a complex, stratified, multistage probability cluster survey of a representative sample of the noninstitutionalized civilian population in South Korea. Serum ferritin was categorized as low (

We analyzed national data on blood lead levels (BLL) and blood cadmium levels (BCL) in residents living near 38 abandoned metal mining areas (n = 5,682, 18–96 years old) in Korea that were collected by the first Health Effect Surveillance for Residents in Abandoned Metal mines (HESRAM) from 2008 to 2011. The geometric mean BCL and BLL were 1.60 μg/L (95 % CI = 1.57–1.62 μg/L) and 2.87 μg/dL (95 % CI = 2.84–2.90 μg/dL), respectively, notably higher than levels in the general population in Korea and other countries. We found significantly higher BLL and BCL levels in people living within 2 km of an abandoned metal mine (n = 3,165, BCL = 1.87 μg/L, BLL = 2.91 μg/dL) compared to people living more than 2 km away (n = 2,517, BCL = 1.31 μg/L, BLL = 2.82 μg/dL; P

Introduction Limited information is available on the association of age and sex with blood concentrations of heavy metals in teenagers. In addition, factors such as a shared family environment may have an association. We analyzed data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2010–2013) to determine whether blood levels of heavy metals differ by risk factors such as age, sex, and shared family environment in a representative sample of teenagers. Methods This study used data obtained in the KNHANES 2010–2013, which had a rolling sampling design that involved a complex, stratified, multistage, probability-cluster survey of a representative sample of the non-institutionalized civilian population in South Korea. Our cross-sectional analysis was restricted to teenagers and their parents who completed the health examination survey, and for whom blood measurements of cadmium, lead, and mercury were available. The final analytical sample consisted of 1585 teenagers, and 376 fathers and 399 mothers who provided measurements of blood heavy metal concentrations. Results Male teenagers had greater blood levels of lead and mercury, but sex had no association with blood cadmium level. There were age-related increases in blood cadmium, but blood lead decreased with age, and age had little association with blood mercury. The concentrations of cadmium and mercury declined from 2010 to 2013. The blood concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury in teenagers were positively associated with the levels in their parents after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion Our results show that blood heavy metal concentrations differ by risk factors such as age, sex, and shared family environment in teenagers.

In this general population sample with detailed control for smoking habits there is an association between blood cadmium and emphysema based on lung computed tomographyhttp://bit.ly/2K9S39J

Blood lead and cadmium levels are more than twofold to fivefold higher in the Korean population compared to that of the USA. This may be related to the foods consumed. We examined which food categories are related to blood lead and cadmium levels in the Korean adult population using the 2008-2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 5504). High and moderate consumption of bread and crackers, potatoes, meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, and pizza and hamburger resulted in significantly lower odds ratios for blood lead levels than their low consumption. However, consumption of salted fish, white fish, green vegetables, white and yellow vegetables, coffee, and alcohol resulted in significantly higher odds ratios of blood lead and cadmium. In conclusion, the typical Asian diet based on rice, fish, vegetables, regular coffee, and alcoholic drinks may be associated with higher blood cadmium and lead levels. This study suggests that lead and cadmium contents should be monitored and controlled in agricultural products to reduce health risks from heavy metals.

Cadmium exposure may be associated with high risk of hypertension. But inconsistent results have been reported. In this study, the association of blood pressure (BP) with blood cadmium (BCd) and the possible influencing factors were investigated. A total of 181 persons (71 men and 110 women) living near a cadmium smelter participated in this study. The participants completed a questionnaire and BP, BCd and related biochemical indicators were measured. The geometric mean of BCd was 3.84μg/L and 3.32μg/L for women and men. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure both increased with the increasing of BCd. The BP in women was positively correlated with BCd (p

Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1999-2012 were used to evaluate factors that affect observed levels of blood cadmium (BCd) and urine cadmium (UCd) among former and current smokers aged 20-64 and ≥65 years. Adjusted levels (AGM) for BCd and UCd were higher among females as compared to males. The order of AGM for BCd by race/ethnicity for 20-64 years old was non-Hispanic white (NHW)non-Hispanic black (NHB) and NHWNHB for ≥65 years old. The order of AGMs for UCd for 20-64-year-old current smokers was NHWNHB and NHWNHB for former smokers. For 20-64-year-old current smokers, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home was associated with higher levels of BCd. Levels of both UCd and BCd increased with age, but the rate of increase was as much as seven times higher among ≥65 years old than 20-64 years old. For current smokers, the number of cigarettes smoked inside home was positively associated with the levels of BCd. For current smokers aged 20-64 years, the number of cigarettes smoked inside home was positively associated with the levels of UCd (p 0.01), and the number of cigarettes smoked every day on the days they were smoked was also positively associated with the levels of UCd (p 0.01). Among former smokers, levels of both UCd and BCd were positively associated (p 0.1) with the number of cigarettes smoked per day at the time of quitting smoking and negatively associated with the time since smoking was quitted (p 0.01).

Environmental exposure to metals and metalloids is associated with pregnancy loss in some but not all studies. We assessed arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead concentrations in 501 couples upon trying for pregnancy and followed them throughout pregnancy to estimate the risk of incident pregnancy loss. Using Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pregnancy loss after covariate adjustment for each partner modeled individually then we jointly modeled both partners' concentrations. Incidence of pregnancy loss was 28%. In individual partner models, the highest adjusted HRs were observed for female and male blood cadmium (HR=1.08; CI 0.81, 1.44; HR=1.09; 95% CI 0.84, 1.41, respectively). In couple based models, neither partner's blood cadmium concentrations were associated with loss (HR=1.01; 95% CI 0.75, 1.37; HR=0.92; CI 0.68, 1.25, respectively). We observed no evidence of a significant relation between metal(loids) at these environmentally relevant concentrations and pregnancy loss.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey for the years 2003-2010 were used (n = 4700) to evaluate the effect of age, parity, body mass index (BMI), race/ethnicity, pregnancy, iron (Fe) storage status, smoking status, and fish/shellfish consumption on the levels of blood cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and total mercury (Hg)for females aged 17-39 years old. Regression analysis was used to fit models for each of the three metals. For all three metals, age was positively and BMI was negatively associated with levels of these metals in blood. Smokers had statistically significantly higher levels of Cd and Pb irrespective of race/ethnicity and Fe storage status as compared to nonsmokers. Novel to this study, pregnancy was found to be associated with significantly lower levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg irrespective of race/ethnicity and Fe storage status as compared to nonpregnant females. It is conceivable that pregnancy may thus accelerate clearance of these metals from blood. Fish/shellfish consumption was associated with higher levels of Hg but not with Cd levels.

Mean blood cadmium (B-Cd) concentrations are two- to threefold higher in smokers than in nonsmokers. The basis for this phenomenon is not well understood. We conducted a detailed, multifaceted study of cadmium exposure in smokers. Groups were older smokers (62±4 years, n = 25, 20% male) and nonsmokers (62±3 years, n = 16, 31% male). Each subject's cigarettes were machine smoked, generating individually paired measures of inhaled cadmium (I-Cd) versus B-Cd; I-Cd and B-Cd were each evaluated three times, at monthly intervals. Urine cadmium (U-Cd) was analyzed for comparison. In four smokers, a duplicate-diet study was conducted, along with a kinetic study of plasma cadmium versus B-Cd. Female smokers had a mean B-Cd of 1.21ng Cd/ml, with a nearly 10-fold range (0.29-2.74ng Cd/ml); nonsmokers had a lower mean B-Cd, 0.35ng Cd/ml (p < 0.05), and narrower range (0.20-0.61ng Cd/ml). Means and ranges for males were similar. Estimates of cadmium amounts inhaled daily for our subjects smoking ≥ 20 cigarettes/day were far less than the 15 µg Cd reported to be ingested daily via diet. This I-Cd amount was too low to alone explain the 3.5-fold elevation of B-Cd in our smokers, even assuming greater cadmium absorption via lungs than gastrointestinal tract; cadmium accumulated in smokers' lungs may provide the added cadmium. Finally, B-Cd appeared to be linearly related to I-Cd values in 75% of smokers, whereas 25% had far higher B-Cd, implying a possible heterogeneity among smokers regarding circulating cadmium concentrations and potentially cadmium toxicity.

The article describes bio-monitoring study concerning recent and long-term exposure of Czech women to toxic metals. Blood cadmium, mercury and lead levels were measured in groups of women with various life styles, etc., to have comparable results in the course of a long study period; a strong emphasis was laid on the quality control of the whole process during the study. Higher cadmium level was found in smokers compared to non-smokers, lower mercury level was found in the group of women who never eat fish. A slight increase of blood lead level with age was observed. No significant differences were found between localities in a given period. Our results do not differ from those gained in other European countries.

Children's blood-lead concentration (B-Pb) is well studied, but little is known about cadmium (B-Cd) and mercury (B-Hg), in particular for central Europe. Such information is necessary for risk assessment and management. Therefore, we here describe and compare B-Pb, B-Cd and B-Hg in children in six European, and three non-European cities, and identify determinants of these exposures. About 50 school children (7–14 years) from each city were recruited (totally 433) in 2007–2008. Interview and questionnaire data were obtained. A blood sample was analyzed: only two laboratories with strict quality control were used. The European cities showed only minor differences for B-Cd (geometric means 0.11–0.17 μg/L) and B-Pb (14–20 μg/L), but larger for B-Hg (0.12–0.94 μg/L). Corresponding means for the non-European countries were 0.21–0.26, 32–71, and 0.3–3.2 μg/L, respectively. For B-Cd in European samples, traffic intensity close to home was a statistically significant determinant, for B-Hg fish consumption and amalgam fillings, and for B-Pb sex (boys higher). This study shows that European city children's B-Cd and B-Pb vary only little between countries; B-Hg differs considerably, due to varying tooth restoration practices and fish intake. Traffic intensity seemed to be a determinant for B-Cd. The metal concentrations were low from a risk perspective but the chosen non-European cities showed higher concentrations than the cities in Europe. Keywords: Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Children, Exposure, Biomonitoring

We present data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2009 on the distribution of blood cadmium levels and their association with iron deficiency in a representative sample of the adult Korean population.Serum ferritin was categorized into three levels: low (serum ferritin15.0 μg/L), low normal (15.0-30.0 μg/L for women and 15.0-50.0 for men), and normal (≥30.0 μg/L for women and ≥50.0 for men), and its association with blood cadmium level was assessed after adjustment for various demographic and lifestyle factors.Geometric means of blood cadmium in the low serum ferritin group in women, men, and all participants were significantly higher than in the normal group. Additionally, multiple regression analysis after adjusting for various covariates showed that blood cadmium was significantly higher in the low-ferritin group in women, men, and all participants compared with the normal group. We also found an association between serum ferritin and blood cadmium among never-smoking participants.We found, similar to other recent population-based studies, an association between iron deficiency and increased blood cadmium in men and women, independent of smoking status. The results of the present study show that iron deficiency is associated with increased levels of blood cadmium in the general population.

Background: Cadmium is a nephrotoxicant at high exposure levels. Few studies have evaluated the role of cadmium in kidney function at low-exposure levels. Objective: We evaluated the association of blood cadmium with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the Korean adult population. Methods: We evaluated 1,909 adults ≥ 20 years of age who participated in the 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and had blood cadmium determinations. eGFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Results: Blood cadmium geometric means were 1.57 μg/L for men and 1.49 μg/L for women. The difference in eGFR levels that compared participants in the highest versus lowest cadmium tertiles, after multivariable adjustment, was –1.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): –3.55, –0.16] mL/min per 1.73 m2 in women and 0.67 (–1.16, 2.50) mL/min per 1.73 m2 in men. Among men, the association between blood cadmium and eGFR was modified by blood lead levels (p-value for interaction = 0.048). The fully adjusted differences in eGFR levels for a 2-fold increase in blood cadmium levels were –1.14 (–3.35, 1.07) and 1.84 (0.54, 3.14) mL/min per 1.73 m2 in men with blood lead levels below and above the median (2.75 μg/dL), respectively. Conclusion: Elevated blood cadmium levels were associated with lower eGFR in women, which supports the role of cadmium as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease. In men, there was no overall association, although elevated blood cadmium levels were associated with higher eGFR levels in men with high blood lead levels and nonstatistically associated with lower eGFR levels in men with low blood lead levels.

Background Cadmium exposure has been inconsistently related to blood pressure. Objectives We updated and reevaluated the evidence regarding the relationships of blood cadmium (BCd) and urine cadmium (UCd) with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension (HTN) in nonoccupationally exposed populations. Data sources and extraction We searched PubMed and Web of Science for articles on BCd or UCd and BP or HTN in nonoccupationally exposed populations and extracted information from studies that provided sufficient data on population, smoking status, exposure, outcomes, and design. Data synthesis Twelve articles met inclusion criteria: eight provided data adequate for comparison, and five reported enough data for meta-analysis. Individual studies reported significant positive associations between BCd and systolic BP (SBP) among nonsmoking women [β = 3.14 mmHg per 1 μg/L untransformed BCd; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14–6.14] and among premenopausal women (β = 4.83 mmHg per 1 nmol/L log-transformed BCd; 95% CI, 0.17–9.49), and between BCd and diastolic BP (DBP) among women (β = 1.78 mmHg comparing BCd in the 90th and 10th percentiles; 95% CI, 0.64–2.92) and among premenopausal women (β = 3.84 mmHg per 1 nmol/L log-transformed BCd; 95% CI, 0.86–6.82). Three meta-analyses, each of three studies, showed positive associations between BCd and SBP (p = 0.006) and DBP (p < 0.001) among women, with minimal heterogeneity (I2 = 3%), and a significant inverse association between UCd and HTN among men and women, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 80%). Conclusion Our results suggest a positive association between BCd and BP among women; the results, however, are inconclusive because of the limited number of representative population-based studies of never-smokers. Associations between UCd and HTN suggest inverse relationships, but inconsistent outcome definitions limit interpretation. We believe a longitudinal study is merited.

Decreased fruit and vegetable consumption, along with elevated blood cadmium concentrations, are frequently observed among cigarette smokers. Few studies have investigated whether the blood cadmium concentrations of cigarette smokers are associated with the consumption of antioxidative nutrients, as well as foods containing high concentrations of antioxidative nutrients and phytochemicals, such as fruits and vegetables. In this study, we aimed to determine where there is any relationship between blood cadmium concentration and the consumption of certain foods and nutrients in adult male smokers. Blood cadmium concentrations in whole blood samples from 546 adult men, whose pregnant wives were registered in the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health Study, were analyzed using the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semiquantitative FFQ. Blood cadmium concentrations were higher in the smokers than in the nonsmokers (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis with covariates revealed that blood cadmium concentrations were negatively associated with intakes of fruit (P = 0.001), vitamin C (P = 0.035), and fiber (P = 0.049), but only in the smokers. These results warrant future studies to explore any mechanisms responsible for fruit's beneficial role against elevated blood cadmium concentrations in smokers.

Background: Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is ongoing in Guiyu, and thus toxic heavy metals may keep on threatening to the health of local children. Some related factors may contribute to the elevation of blood lead levels (BLLs) or blood cadmium levels (BCLs). Objective: To investigate the children's BLLs and BCLs in Guiyu and Chendian as compare to discuss the effects of primitive e-waste recycling activities on children's health. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-eight children less than 8 years who lived in Guiyu and Chendian were observed, and their BLLs and BCLs were determined by graphite atomizer absorption spectrophotometer. Questionnaire survey for risk factors was also performed and data were analyzed using spearman correlation analyses and logistic regression analyses. Results: Children living in Guiyu had significantly higher BLLs and BCLs as compared with those living in Chendian (p 10 {mu}g/dL, and 20.1% of children (31/154) had BCLs>2 {mu}g/L, compared with 38.7% of children (48/124) had BLLs>10 {mu}g/dL and 7.3% of children (9/124) had BCLs>2 {mu}g/L in Chendian (p

Objectives To assess the association between secondhand smoke exposure and blood lead and cadmium concentration in women in South Korea. Design Population-based cross-sectional study. Setting South Korea (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V). Participants 1490 non-smoking women who took part in the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012), in which blood levels of lead and cadmium were measured. Primary outcome measures The primary outcome was blood levels of lead and cadmium in accordance with the duration of secondhand smoke exposure. Results The adjusted mean level of blood cadmium in women who were never exposed to secondhand smoke was 1.21 (0.02) µg/L. Among women who were exposed less than 1 h/day, the mean cadmium level was 1.13 (0.03) µg/L, and for those exposed for more than 1 h, the mean level was 1.46 (0.06) µg/L. In particular, there was a significant association between duration of secondhand smoke exposure at the workplace and blood cadmium concentration. The adjusted mean level of blood cadmium concentration in the never exposed women9s group was less than that in the 1 h and more exposed group, and the 1 h and more at workplace exposed group: 1.20, 1.24 and 1.50 µg/L, respectively. We could not find any association between lead concentration in the blood and secondhand smoke exposure status. Conclusions This study showed that exposure to secondhand smoke and blood cadmium levels are associated. Especially, there was a significant association at the workplace. Therefore, social and political efforts for reducing the exposure to secondhand smoke at the workplace are needed in order to promote a healthier working environment for women.

Succimer lowers blood lead concentrations in children, and the structure of succimer chelates of lead and cadmium are similar. Using blood samples from a randomized trial of succimer for lead poisoning, however, we found that succimer did not lower blood cadmium in children with background exposure.

Objective To investigate whether performance IQ in children is associated with maternal blood cadmium concentration in early pregnancy. Method The present study is a component of the Mothers’ and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, a multi-center birth cohort project in Korea that began in 2006. The study cohort consisted of 119 children whose mothers underwent testing of blood cadmium during early pregnancy. All children were evaluated using the Korean version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, revised edition (WPPSI-R), at 60 months of age. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between IQ in children and maternal blood cadmium concentration in early pregnancy, after adjustment for covariates. Results Maternal blood cadmium concentration during early pregnancy was inversely associated with performance IQ, after adjustment for covariates such as sex, educational levels of both parents, family income, and maternal BMI. Maternal blood cadmium concentration, however, was not associated with cognitive IQ. Conclusion Performance IQ in children is associated with maternal blood cadmium concentration in early pregnancy.