Investigation of the Toxic Effects of Cadmium on Kidney Function inthe Smoker and Nonsmoker Prisoners and its Relationship with Air Exchange Systems Capacity in Maragheh City Prison

Cadmium is one of the heavy metals and long time exposure to it can cause a lot of health problems in human beings. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of Cadmium on kidney performance in the smokers and non-smokers and also its relationship with ventilation systems at Maragheh City prison.

This descriptive-analytical study included 90 prisoners. Cadmium of urine samples was measured by using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Parameters of renal function including urine specific gravity, creatinine, protein, albumin, glucose and urea were measured using a Hitachi autoanalyzer.

The highest values of excretion of cadmium, protein, albumin, per gram creatinine and glucose were observed in the smokers without ventilation systems in their living quarters. In this group, ratio of cadmium per creatinine showed significant relationships with protein per creatinine, albumin per creatinine, urea, and glucose (P < 0.05), while in the control group without ventilation, this ratio had significant relationship only with urinary glucose excretion (P < 0.05) and we found no significant relationships between cadmium per creatinine ratio and other variables in this group (P ≥ 0.05).

Exposure to cadmium metal through cigarette smoke can directly and indirectly affect kidney function and lead to increased excretion of protein, albumin, urea and glucose. This effect is also affected by indoor ventilation systems, so that the presence of proper ventilation systems reduces exposure to cigarette smoke and hence cadmium, which results in reduced harmful effects of cadmium on the renal function of the exposed individuals.