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Urinary cadmium concentrations in a population downstream: from a zinc mining area in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand

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Abstract

Urinary cadmium (UCd) is a good indicator of long-term exposure to cadmium. UCd concentrations resulting from juvenile cadmium exposure in 3 sub-districts of Tak Province, Thailand, were investigated. The target population was divided by gender and into 2 age subgroups: 9–12 and 13–15 years. A total of 748 urine samples were collected and analyzed by spectrophotometer. All samples had UCd of more than 1.0 μg/g creatinine (Cr). Total UCd means among the 3 sub-districts were 1.31, 1.01, and 0.87 μg/g Cr; the Thai population mean is 0.5 μg/g. The difference among the three sub-districts was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Total means for UCd were 1.13 μg/g Cr for boys, 1.00 for girls, 1.01 μg/g Cr for those 9–12 years old, and 1.18 for those 13–15. UCd concentrations were not significantly different between genders and age groups. Likely dietary sources of cadmium exposure for the subject population were surveyed.

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Acknowledgments

The researchers would like to express their gratitude to The National Research Council of Thailand for financial support of specimen collection, and to the Anamai Department, Ministry of Health, for sample analysis. Dennis McDermott PhD assisted with language editing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand

    Sanhawat Chaiwonga

  2. Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Dong A University, Busan, Republic of Korea

    Suthipong Sthiannopkao

  3. Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

    Wisa Supanpaiboon, Supaporn Chuenchoojit, Kanungnit Pupatwibul & Chanasorn Poodendaen

Authors
  1. Sanhawat Chaiwonga
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  2. Suthipong Sthiannopkao
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  3. Wisa Supanpaiboon
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  4. Supaporn Chuenchoojit
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  5. Kanungnit Pupatwibul
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  6. Chanasorn Poodendaen
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Correspondence to Suthipong Sthiannopkao.

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Chaiwonga, S., Sthiannopkao, S., Supanpaiboon, W. et al. Urinary cadmium concentrations in a population downstream: from a zinc mining area in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. Environ Geochem Health 35, 69–78 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-012-9466-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-012-9466-y

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