Do Cadmium, Lead, and Aluminum in Drinking Water Increase the Risk of Hip Fractures? A NOREPOS Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate relations between cadmium, lead, and aluminum in municipality drinking water and the incidence of hip fractures in the Norwegian population. A trace metals survey in 566 waterworks was linked geographically to hip fractures from hospitals throughout the country (1994-2000). In all those supplied from these waterworks, 5,438 men and 13,629 women aged 50-85 years suffered a hip fracture. Poisson regression models were fitted, adjusting for age, region of residence, urbanization, and type of water source as well as other possibly bone-related water quality factors. Effect modification by background variables and interactions between water quality factors were examined (correcting for false discovery rate). Men exposed to a relatively high concentration of cadmium (IRR = 1.10; 95 % CI 1.01, 1.20) had an increased risk of fracture. The association between relatively high lead and hip fracture risk was significant in the oldest age group (66-85 years) for both men (IRR = 1.11; 95 % CI 1.02, 1.21) and women (IRR = 1.10; 95 % CI 1.04, 1.16). Effect modification by degree of urbanization on hip fracture risk in men was also found for all three metals: cadmium, lead, and aluminum. In summary, a relatively high concentration of cadmium, lead, and aluminum measured in drinking water increased the risk of hip fractures, but the associations depended on gender, age, and urbanization degree. This study could help in elucidating the complex effects on bone health by risk factors found in the environment.

Comparison of trace element concentration in bone and intervertebral disc tissue by atomic absorption spectrometry techniques

“…In neural tissue, Pb may be substituted as a calcium analog, interfering with ion channels during impulse conduction [17]. The lead exposure increases the risk of hip fracture in both males and females [25]. No data appear to be available regarding Pb function in the connective tissue that is characteristic for IVDs or Pb concentration in this tissue.…”

Deposition behavior of residual aluminum in drinking water distribution system: Effect of aluminum speciation

“…Elevated levels of aluminum have been associated with health problems. For example, bone disorders were testified to be related with aluminum among dialysis dependent patients (Dahl et al, 2014). Additionally, aluminum accumulated in humans may cause severe nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's dementia (Dzulfakar et al, 2011).…”

Heavy metal concentration in groundwater from Besant Nagar to Sathankuppam, South Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

“…It is also due to the release of lead-containing plumbing material including unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) pipes that react with slight alkaline nature of water (Zhang and Lin 2014). Drinking such contaminated water is associated with hip fracture for both genders (Dahl et al 2014), damage to the kidneys and creates hypertension for humans (WHO 2011a, b). Some of the natural organic components, such as garlic oil and vitamin E, act as detoxifying agents for lead in human body (Sajitha et al 2010).…”