Estimation of benchmark rice cadmium doses as threshold values for abnormal urinary findings with adjustment for consumption of Jinzu River water.

We performed this study to determine whether both eating cadmium (Cd)-polluted rice and drinking and/or cooking with Jinzu River water are associated with renal tubular dysfunction. A multiple logistic regression analysis of retrospective data indicated that both factors may contribute to this condition. Estimated threshold values of rice Cd concentration in men were 0.13-0.27 ppm and 0.09-0.18 ppm in women, without adjustment for use of Jinzu River water. The additional influence of drinking and/or cooking with Jinzu River water was estimated to be about 0.008 ppm.