Cadmium exposure aggravates mortality more in women than in men

Int J Environ Health Res. 2006 Aug;16(4):273-9. doi: 10.1080/09603120600734220.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether the mortality associated with exposure to cadmium (Cd) differs between the sexes. Target subjects were 14,604 (6,944 men, 7,660 women) from a list of all residents in the Jinzu River basin in 1967 and 1968. Trend of proportion of the population aged 70 years and older was significantly higher in women in the following decreasing order: non-Jinzu River basin, a region receiving a mixed water supply, and the Jinzu River basin. Sex ratios (proportions of population of men to that of women) in those aged 70 years and older became significantly higher in the same order. This tendency was compatible with the geographical distribution of the prevalence of abnormal urinary findings and Cd concentration in rice which was grown and consumed in the area. This study revealed that Cd exposure aggravates mortality more in women than in men.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cadmium / toxicity*
  • Cadmium Poisoning / complications
  • Cadmium Poisoning / mortality*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Female
  • Food Contamination*
  • Humans
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
  • Kidney Diseases / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Rivers
  • Sex Distribution
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity*

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Cadmium