Potential contribution of dietary sources to urinary cadmium and beta2-microglobulin excretion of occupationally exposed workers

Article Abstract:

Cadmium is used in metal refining, metallic alloys, paint pigments, and batteries. Almost 20,000 tons of cadmium are used each year in manufacturing industries in the late 1980s. Occupational exposure to cadmium occurs mainly from inhaling fumes, aerosols, and dust particles during the manufacturing process. Cadmium is not recycled and accumulates in the air, water, and soil in industrialized areas. Therefore, cadmium can enter the body by ingestion of fruits and vegetables that are grown in areas where the soil is rich in cadmium. Once cadmium enters the body, it remains there for many years. Almost one-third of the cadmium that enters the body accumulates in the kidneys. Cadmium has a toxic effect on the kidneys, and when tissue damage occurs a substance called beta2-microglobulin is released into the urine. Therefore, the amount of beta2-microglobulin in the urine has been used to estimate the extent of kidney damage caused by exposure to cadmium. A study was performed to evaluate the contribution of dietary cadmium to the total amount of cadmium present in the urine. The study included 40 people who grew their vegetables in urban garden soils in industrialized areas where cadmium was used. The subjects had no other known exposure to cadmium. Cadmium and beta2-microglobulin were measured in the subject's urine samples. In addition, urine samples from 77 people in the general population were analyzed for comparison. Because smoking is known to have an effect on cadmium in the body, all smokers were excluded from the study. The people who had consumed the vegetables and fruits grown in soils in urban industrialized areas had significantly higher levels of cadmium in their urine than those in the general population. The pH of the urine was too low to allow for accurate measurements of beta2-microglobulin. These findings indicate that cadmium consumed in the diet contributes to cadmium concentrations in the urine, which should be kept in mind when workers are tested for occupational exposure to cadmium. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Soils, Cadmium, Soil chemistry, Beta globulins

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Significance and validation of a shortened lead chelation test

Article Abstract:

Lead poisoning causes significant damage to the nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract and the blood-forming organs. In addition to removing individuals with lead toxicity from sources of lead exposure, whether residential (with lead paint) or occupational, the excess lead must be removed from the body. Chelation, with intravenous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), is the method used to reduce the body lead burden of patients with toxicity. This procedure removes lead from extracellular compartments and soft tissues. The success of chelation is determined by measuring the urinary excretion of chelatable lead (PbU-EDTA). PbU-EDTA measurements can be used to determine the possibility of other abnormal stores of lead in the body, to aid in characterizing symptoms due to unknown causes, and to suggest the possibility of the return to work following significant lead exposure and treatment. Current procedures measure urinary lead output for a 24-hour period following the administration of EDTA. However, 24-hour urine collection is difficult for most patients. The PbU-EDTA of 38 men with definite or suspected lead poisoning was tested after a shorter collection and measurement interval following EDTA treatment. This technique was compared with data at 24 hours. One participant was orally lead intoxicated, and the remainder were employed in lead-exposing industrial settings. Full clinical and laboratory examinations were administered to each subject, including blood levels of lead (PbB), erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), urinary delta aminolevulinic acid (UALA), and urinary porphyrins (TUP). Collections were made when the subjects received EDTA, 3 hours later, between 3 and 24 hours later, and at 24 hours. The results of the 3- and 24-hour measurements were comparable, and reflected other test results. Additional studies, using a larger more homogeneously exposed group, are necessary to further validate the use of the shortened test interval in measuring PbU-EDTA. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Lead, EDTA, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Chelation therapy

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A simple field test for assessing salt balance in heat-stressed miners

Article Abstract:

It is well known that during heat exposure, the body loses salt and water through sweat, and requires that the salt and water be replenished. Twenty-nine miners working underground doing heavily physical work in a hot and damp environment were examined to determine whether their salt intake was excessive or adequate. A simple chemical test (colorimetric Fantus Test) from a single urine sample proved adequate for determining the kidney excretion level of sodium (salt). Three group were studied: 23 acclimatized miners, six miners who believed that they had suffered a period of salt loss, and 13 medical students who were studied in a laboratory situation. Students and all acclimatized miners maintained adequate levels of sodium under the conditions of study. One miner, who reported prior difficulties, had a small, temporary variation of salt concentration, but the five others who had mentioned previous experiences with salt loss maintained adequate levels. Results indicate that miners appear to be adequately protected in spite of lack of availability of salt and water, and added dietary salt (salt pills) does not appear necessary.

Methods, Miners, Salt (Food), Sodium (Nutrient), Colorimetric analysis, Salt in the body

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