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Cadmium in food production systems: A health risk for sensitive population groups

På svenska

Author

  • Ing-Marie Olsson
  • J Eriksson
  • I Oborn
  • Staffan Skerfving
  • A Oskarsson

Summary, in English

This paper gives an overview of the cadmium (Cd) situation in agricultural systems and human exposure in Sweden. Cadmium levels in agricultural soils (the plow layer) increase by 0.03% to 0.05% per year. Feed can give substantial contributions of Cd to local agricultural systems. Effects on human kidney function are indicated by some measurements already at today's exposure levels. If food products reach the maximum permissible levels given by the European Union, 10% to 25% of the Swedish population will be exposed to Cd levels above the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI 7 mu g Cd kg(-1) body weight). Sensitive groups in the population are individuals with low iron status (mainly women) and kidney disorders. Recent studies indicate that Cd plays a role in osteoporosis and that further research is needed to clarify if Cd is neurotoxic in early developmental stages. Firm actions have to be taken in order to stop a further increase of Cd in agricultural soils. Suggestions for prevention and measures are given in this paper.

Publishing year

2005

Language

English

Pages

344-351

Publication/Series

Ambio: a Journal of Human Environment

Volume

34

Issue

4-5

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Springer

Topic

  • Environmental Health and Occupational Health

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0044-7447