Men's Osteoporosis Support Group

Occupational cadmium exposure and osteoporosis in men

J Bone Miner Res. 2010 Jan 15. [Epub ahead of print]. Occupational cadmium exposure and calcium excretion, bone density and osteoporosis in men. Nawrot T and others. PMID: 20200937. The authors note that cadmium has been related to osteoporosis and fractures in women and the elderly. They performed this study on middle-aged men to see if occupational cadmium exposure also affected their bone mineral density (BMD). There were 83 male workers or ex-workers who had used a cadmium-containing solder. The findings showed that BMD was negatively correlated with urinary exposure to cadmium. Urinary calcium correlated positively with urinary cadmium excretion. And the risk of osteoporosis increased dose-dependently, with up to 9.9-fold higher risk in the highest tertile. Kidney function in the group was mainly normal with only 5% of the men showing renal tubular dysfunction. The authors concluded, "Even in the absence of renal tubular dysfunction, occupational exposure to cadmium is associated in men with lower BMD, a higher risk of having osteoporosis and higher urinary calcium excretion, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect of cadmium."

Editor's comments. This is the first study I've seen relating occupational cadmium exposure to osteoporosis in middle-aged men. The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has had regulations regarding cadmium exposure since at least 1971. They note, "Cadmium's uses vary from an electrode component in alkaline batteries to a stabilizer in plastics." This article also mentions that cadmium can be involved in many areas of the construction industry, in paints, metal alloys, and might be a factor when wrecking and demolishing are done.

For a broader overview of cadmium check out www.cadmium.org.

So the bottom line for this study is that men who knowingly, or unknowingly, worked where cadmium exposure might have been an issue should see a physician to evaluate their BMD, risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Such individuals were likely being followed regarding cancer, lung and kidney disease risks. But they may not have realized they were also at risk of osteoporosis from the cadmium exposure. Obviously it is important for men (or women) working with cadmium to take all possible measures to minimize exposure to this metal by using respirators and other protective gear.

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