Background exposure of general women populations in Japan to cadmium in the environment and possible health effects.

1. The surveys were conducted in 1990s on 470 non-smoking adult women [with no specific exposure to cadmium (Cd)] in 22 sites in six regions in Japan. 2. It was found that the dietary Cd intake (as a grand geometric mean) was 25.9 microg/day, the Cd level in blood was 2.1 microg/l, and Cd level in urine was 2.1 microg/g creat. 3. Cd in rice contributed about 30% of total dietary Cd intake. 4. There was a substantial reduction in Cd burden when compared with observation in 1980s. 5. Effects on kidney functions were essentially negative when evaluated in terms of beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), but might be positive when alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-MG) was evaluated; further studies are apparently necessary. 6. No effects on liver functions were detected.