Der Kadmium-Gehalt der menschlichen Placenta

Abstract

SummaryThe content of Cadmium (Cd) in the human placenta was determined by AAS as '60 g/placenta We analyzed a total of 179 placentas from normal hospital deliveries, premature births and abortions The samples came from 3 different regions of West-Germany with a varying stage of industrialisation (Rhine-Ruhr-Area, Frankonian District, Bavarian Forest) There were significant differences in the mean Cd-content in the placentas coming from the Rhine-Ruhr-Area and those from the Bavarian Forest.No relationship was found between the placental Cd-concentration and the duration of pregnancy and the age of the mothers respectively.The evaluated concentrations are compared with those found in other publications and the usefulness of the placenta as an indicator of ecological burdens is discussed.

Teratogenicity, Toxicity and Perinatal Effects of Cadmium

“…There was a significantly higher cadmium content in placentae from industrial areas (Thurauf et al, 1975). A survey carried out among 500 pregnant women in Belgium showed that the placenta appears to act as a barrier to cadmium, being less permeable to cadmium than to lead or mercury.…”