Presence of cadmium in the saliva of adult male workers.

Samples of mixed saliva were collected from 16 workers exposed to cadmium dusts and fumes and 19 unexposed co-workers. Samples of total blood and plasma were also obtained. Cadmium (Cd) was measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Cd was found in higher concentrations in saliva than in blood. The concentration of Cd in saliva was markedly elevated in exposed subjects; the difference was less important in blood. Smokers had more Cd in their blood than non-smokers, but this was not the case for saliva. In vitro studies measuring uptake of Cd by slices of rat submaxillary gland indicated that movement of the metal occurs passively.