Environmental Cadmium Pollution and Children’s Exposure in a Non-Ferrous Metallurgical Region

Daniela Curseu1, Dana Sirbu1, Monica Popa1, Ileana Rusu2, and Elisabeta Czuczi3

1 Department of Environmental Health, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2 Inspectorate of Public Health, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
3 Medstar Centre, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Corresponding author: Dr. Curseu Daniela
    Iuliu Maniu nr. 3, ap. 8
    Cluj-Napoca, Romania
    Telephone: 0040-264-439470
    E-mail: daniela_curseu@yahoo.com

CEJOEM 2005, Vol.11. No.4.: 243–247

Key words:
Cadmium, heavy metals, environment, pollution

Abstract:
The association between environmental cadmium pollution and children’s exposure in a population living in the surrounding of a zinc-lead smelter was investigated. Cadmium level was measured in the soil and vegetables in three spots situated at different distances from the smelter. The concentrations of the metal in blood and urine were measured in 282 randomly selected children aged 7–11 yr. Questionnaires investigating possible confounders for cadmium exposure were filled in. The grade of pollution in soil positively correlated with the Cd levels in blood samples. Consumption of vegetables from the contaminated area significantly influenced the level of cadmium in blood, but not in urine.

Received: 5 December 2005
Accepted: 22 March 2006
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