The biological monitoring of ecologic cadmium exposure in the free state of Bavaria

: In 1984/1985 631 blood-donors settled in different regions of Bavaria took part in a "cadmium-campagne". Due to this project a substantial medical anamnesis was made and blood has been investigated to determine the cadmium level, furthermore, urine was taken for the determination of cadmium, total protein, beta 2-microglobulin, creatinine and density. In conformity with recent epidemiological investigations in Europe it was evident that the actual internal cadmium exposure - in relation to the cadmium level in blood - has not increased. Subsequently a not acceptable accumulation was excluded accordingly to the result of the proofed renal excretion of cadmium. In consideration of the established low cadmium level in biological material there was no impairment of the kidneys due to cadmium. This is also obvious in the total protein- and beta 2-microglobulin-excretions in urine which are in the normal range. By dividing the collective according to smoking habits this study confirmed, that higher values have been linked with the smokers. However, as to the age and sex there were no significant influences. The evaluation of a regional subdivision of the received samples in overcrowded regions, rural and areas far from industry did not show notable differences. Furthermore, a differentiated aspect was seen after the classification into domiciles, whereby 8 different cities, small towns and villages, resp., were considered. Despite of various differences it must be pointed out, that the cadmium level in blood as well as in urine is below the normal levels with some exceptions only. This study did not show criteria for a risk caused by cadmium which effects the general population of Bavaria.