PULMONARY EFFECTS OF CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO AIRBORNE CADMIUM

Abstract

Workers chronically exposed to high concentrations of airborne Cd showed a significantly decreased forced vital capacity relative to a low-exposure group and had PO2 [oxygen tension] values in the normal range, but at the extreme low end. They had no significant decrease in 1 s forced expiratory volume or maximal mid-expiratory flow. Chest roentgenograms showed mild or moderate interstitial fibrosis in 29% of the group exposed to Cd. Collectively, these results suggest a mild fibrotic reaction associated with exposure to Cd. A dose-response association was observed between forced vital capacity, expressed as per cent predicted and both average urinary Cd concentration (P < 0.003; r = -0.53) and maximal urinary Cd concentration (P < 0.005; r = -0.51). A dose-response relationship also was found between the forced vital capacity and months of work in Cd fume areas, but not for months of exposure to cadmium sulfate aerosol.