Biological monitoring of cadmium exposure--an Italian experience.
Studies carried out over the last 12 years in northern Italy on a case list of 105 cadmium (Cd) workers showed that blood levels (B-Cd) were influenced not only by current exposure but also by body burden, while urinary levels (U-Cd) were influenced predominantly by body burden. Moreover, no advantages were gained by adjusting U-Cd for creatinine or specific gravity. The urinary beta 2-microglobulin levels were within the reference values when B-Cd and U-Cd were below the current threshold values. However, some indicators of early renal effect appeared to be altered. An increase in chromosome-type aberrations in lymphocytes occurred in workers with a heavy cadmium burden. Studies carried out on more than 600 subjects from the general population showed higher B-Cd levels in smokers than in nonsmokers. B-Cd levels were higher in men and in higher age groups. Identifying reference values for B-Cd through meta-analysis studies seems useful.
Alessio
L
L
Institute of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Italy.
Apostoli
P
P
Forni
A
A
Toffoletto
F
F
D002104:Cadmium / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000652:urine*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D012016:Reference Values
D002104:Cadmium