[Low dose exposure to cadmium and its health effects (2). Life-cycle related diseases and reproductive toxicity]

Abstract

We have reviewed earlier studies on the possible involvement of cadmium in life-cycle related diseases and the reproductive toxicity of Cd including environmental disrupting actions. Experimental studies have suggested that Cd may be involved in the aggravation of life-cycle related diseases and the occurrence of reproductive toxicity. On the other hand, epidemiological studies did not necessarily support the experimental observations. Thus, we conclude that it is necessary to investigate further to determine whether Cd is responsible for the aggravation of life-cycle related diseases or has the capability to act as an environmental endocrine disrupter in humans.