The effect of cadmium and lead pollution on human and animal health

• Published in: Folia veterinaria Vol. 49
• Main Authors: Smirjakova, S.(University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice (Slovak Republic), Ondrasovicova, O, Kaskova, A, Lakticova, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2006
• Subjects: CADENA ALIMENTARIA; CADMIO; CADMIUM; CHAINE ALIMENTAIRE; FOOD CHAINS; LEAD; PLOMB; PLOMO; POLLUTION; POLUCION
• ISSN: 0015-5748

Our environment is affected by a great variety of pollutants. What they all have in common is that only their absence can eliminate the respective health risk. Therefore it is very important to recognise the problems and take appropriate measures early. The health risk arising from environmental contaminants depends on many factors including absorption and toxicity of the substance, its level in food, the quantity of contaminated food consumed and duration of exposure. Another complicating factor concerning chemical contaminants is that the toxicity of contaminants must be frequently extrapolated from animal studies. Whether the substances exert the same effect in humans is not always known with absolute certainty. Food products account for most of the human exposure to cadmium except for areas in the vicinity of cadmium- emitting industries. Cadmium is taken up by roots of plants and passes to edible leaves, fruits and seeds. It will also accumulate in animal milk and fatty tissues. Therefore people are exposed to cadmium upon the consumption of cadmium containing plants or animals. All food of animal origin with the exception of milk contains lead in higher concentration than in that of plant origin. The amount of lead in food has been reduced since 1990 due to the decline in production of some goods, the use of unleaded fuel, and other environmental protection measures. The mean weekly lead intake is less than 70 % of the tolerated value (PTWI) calculated on the basis of food consumption and the relevant levels of lead in food.