Les dangers genetiques du cadmium

A review of the literature is made on the pathology of cadmium contamination in humans, with special attention to the genetic and cytogenetic effects of the metal in the human organism. Data obtained from chromosome analyses of cattle exposed to heavy metals, and studies on prenatal mortality rates among male rats administered cadmium (1.75 mg/kg) are tabulated. The various observations reported suggest that cadmium, in much the same manner as lead, can have cytogenetic effects on humans exposed in their working environment, whereas the metal does not appear to have similar effects on test animals. Some possible explanations for this difference in effects are considered.