EVALUATION OF HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG CADMIUM-EXPOSED WORKERS

Abstract

Introduction: Cadmium is a cumulative multisystem metallic toxin widely used in industry causing occupational exposure, while the main source of cadmium in the generalpopulation is diet and smoking.Aim of the work: To demonstrate the hazardous effects of long-term occupational exposure to cadmium as a multisystem metallic toxin. Subjects and methods: The study included 42 male workers exposed to cadmium from the electroplating sections of one factory, with a mean age of (41.19 ± 1.44) years and 30 control subjects with a mean age of (48.33 ± 1.85) years. The two groups were matched as regards age, sex and socioeconomic status. Individuals included in the present study had to respond to a questionnaire and were subjected to thorough clinical examination, assessment of liver and kidney functions, serum electrolytes, blood cadmium level - as an exposure biomarker - complete urine analysis, ventilatory functionsand prostate specific antigen as an early predictor of prostatic cancer. Results: The prevalence of clinical manifestations was significantly higher among the exposed versus the control group. The blood cadmium and the PSA levels were foundto be higher among the exposed group. Ventilatory functions showed statistically significant difference between both groups indicating an obstructive pattern due to inhalation of cadmium fumes. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding levels of blood urea, serum creatinine and some serum electrolytes.Urine analysis showed higher protein excretion in the exposed group. Conclusion: Chronic occupational cadmium exposure in egyptian workers causes damage to different body systems and results in their dysfunction. Prostate specific antigen(PSA) can be used for screening of prostate cancer among cadmium-exposed workers.