The relationship between the bone mineral density and urinary cadmium concentration of residents in an industrial complex

BackgroundAn association between cadmium exposure and bone mineral density (BMD) has been demonstrated in elderly women, but has not been well studied in youths and men. Some studies report either no or a weak association between cadmium exposure and bone damage.ObjectivesThis study was designed to investigate the relationship between the urinary cadmium (U-Cd) levels and BMD of females and males of all ages.MethodsA total of 804 residents near an industrial complex were surveyed in 2007. U-Cd and BMD on the heel (non-dominant calcaneus) were analyzed with AAS-GTA and Dual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. Demographic characteristics were collected by structured questionnaires. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were defined by BMD cut-off values and T-scores set by the WHO; T score>−1, normal; −2.5

Research Highlights► The relationship between the urinary cadmium levels and BMD was investigated. ► U-Cd was associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis in adults. ► Cadmium exposure may be a potential risk factor for lower-BMD and osteopenia.