Urinary Excretion of Cadmium, Protein, Beta-2-Microglobulin and Glucose in Individuals Living in a Cadmium-Polluted Area

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Abstract
1 Urine was collected from 289 inhabitants of a cadmium-polluted quarter of Stadskanaal. The excretion of cadmium, protein, beta-2-microglobulin and glucose were determined. After being divided according to sex and to smoking habits, the results of the inhabitants were compared with those of 293 controls. 2 In inhabitants as well as controls, cadmium excretion was age-dependent. Cadmium excretion in females increased faster with age than in males. 3 In male-smoker controls, cadmium excretion was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in male-non-smoker controls. 4 In male-non-smoker inhabitants, cadmium excretion (p = 0.05), protein excretion (p <0.01) and glucose excretion (p <0.01) were significantly higher than in corresponding controls. In male-smoker inhabitants, protein excretion (p < 0.01) and glucose excretion (0.01 < p < 0.05) were significantly higher than in corresponding controls. In female-non-smoker inhabitants glucose excretion was significantly higher (0.01 < p < 0.05) than in corresponding controls. 5 For some categories, living in the polluted area was associated with an increased cadmium excretion in urine and a slight difference in renal function, possibly related to a difference in cadmium body burden. It was concluded that, considering the actual values of each parameter, the observed differences were not relevant in terms of potential health hazards.