Health Risks Associated with Predicted Increase of Cadmium in Cultivated Soils and in the Diet

Abstract

We have assessed the change of the dietary intake and the potential health risks of cadmium in Finland, assuming that a high level of cadmium in fertilizers (138 mg Cd/kg P) would prevail for the next 100 years. Soil measurements and modelling were used to derive the predicted level of cadmium in foods. In three important cultivars, wheat, potato and sugar beet, the cadmium concentration would increase by 20–35%. Consequently, the average dietary intake of cadmium in Finland would increase from 7.9 to 10.0 μg/day, corresponding with the urinary level of about 0.2 μg/l, a level that has not been associated with effects on the human health. However, in the risk group with 1) high dietary intake of cadmium, 2) elevated gastrointestinal absorption, and 3) tobacco smoking, the estimated urinary level of cadmium would be 2.0 μg/l. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that urinary level of 1–2 μg Cd/l is associated with an increased risk of bone demineralization and fractures, and 2–4 μg Cd/l with pre-clinical kidney damage. People characterized by more than one of the above-mentioned risks factors, may develop the adverse health effects at an old age, when cadmium has accumulated in the body.