Cumulative rate and distribution of Cd and Pb in the organs of adult male Wistar rats during oral exposure

•The degree of accumulation of Cd and Pb in organs of rats was examined.•Rats were exposed to low doses of metals.•Cd and Pb were administered ad libitum in the form of aqueous solutions or in feed.•In total the organs accumulated about 0.3–0.5% Cd and 0.4–0.6% Pb.•Exposure to Cd and Pb supplied with food is much more hazardous than with water.

The degree of accumulation of Cd and Pb in the brains, spleens, lungs, hearts, livers and kidneys of adult Wistar rats was compared both for separate (Cd or Pb) and combined (Cd + Pb) oral exposure. In addition, the metals were administered either with liquids or with solid feed. Rats were exposed to low doses of metals (7 mg Cd and 50 mg Pb/kg feed or L of distilled water) over 6 or 12 weeks. In total the organs of rats accumulated about 0.3–0.5% Cd and 0.4–0.6% Pb supplied with food or drink. The presented studies demonstrated that the distribution of Cd and Pb in the organs is affected by: the type of exposure (separate or combined), the source of metals (feed or drinks) and the duration of exposure. It was found that simultaneous exposure to low doses of Cd and Pb supplied with food is much more hazardous than exposure to such metals supplied with water.