Question

Why might women be at increased risk from cadmium exposure compared to men?

• A. They have higher iron stores.
• B. They absorb more cadmium due to lower iron stores.
• C. They have a higher metabolic rate.
• D. They consume more contaminated food.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. They absorb more cadmium due to lower iron stores.

• The margin of safety between the present daily intake of cadmium in the diet and the intake that can result in effects is very narrow and, for highly exposed sub populations, even non-existent.

• Population groups at risk include the elderly, people with diabetes, and smokers. Women may be at increased risk because they have lower iron stores than men and, consequently, absorb more cadmium at the same level of exposure.

• Food is the main source of cadmium exposure in the general population (representing >90% of the total intake in non-smokers).