SYSTEMIC TOXICITY OF INHALED CADMIUM-OXIDE

Rats exposed to an aerosol of cadmium oxide (60 μg/l for 30 min) were observed for up to 1 year postexposure. Lung cadmium level of rats that died within 3 days of exposure was 26.9 ± 8.3 μg (mean ± standard deviation). Exposed rats exhibited a statistically significant increase in blood pressure, blood glucose levels, urinary protein, and in the incidence of seminiferous tubule degeneration. Only one lung tumor was found among 34 exposed rats. These data suggest that chronic toxicity of inhaled cadmium oxide may be manifest in organ systems other than the lung. © 1979.