CONCENTRATIONS OF CADMIUM IN AIR AND URINE IN AN ALKALINE BATTERY WORKS

Concentrations of cadmium in air are available for exposed workers in an alkaline battery factory from 1965, and of cadmium in urine concentrations from rather later. Using simple statistical methods annual data sets have been analysed by department, job or other classification. Summary results of concentrations of cadmium in air from 1965 and in urine from 1970 are examined, and show a steady annual reduction. No attempt is made to relate changes in concentrations to changes in manufacturing practice or control measures, although the effects of one major change are noted. Relations between concentrations of cadmium in air and in urine since 1970 are reported. Those between cadmium in air and recent concentrations of cadmium in blood and of beta(2)-microglobulin in urine are commented on. The kinetics of cadmium absorption, partition and excretion are not considered in any depth.