Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 1987;13(3):232-238    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.2065 | Issue date: Jun 1987

Renal function of workers with low-level cadmium exposure.

by Verschoor M, Herber R, van Hemmen J, Wibowo A, Zielhuis R

The influence of occupational exposure to cadmium on renal function was examined in 27 male cadmium workers from plants with second-degree usage of cadmium. The levels of cadmium in the blood and urine and various protein concentrations in the urine and serum were determined. The urinary levels of beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase were statistically significantly increased in workers with urinary cadmium levels above 50 nmol/l. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis with silver staining is probably a sensitive indicator of the early effects of cadmium on protein excretion. The currently recommended biological exposure limits may have to be lowered.