The critical level of cadmium in human renal cortex: a reevaluation.

The previously published estimate (160 ppm) of the critical level of renal cortical cadmium (Cd) (Roels et al., Environ. Res., 26 (1981) 217-240) has been reassessed after the depth of the left kidney was measured in each worker by echography. The correction introduced for kidney depth demonstrates that the critical liver cadmium level of 30 ppm corresponds to a corrected critical level of cadmium in renal cortex of 216 ppm. This critical cadmium level in renal cortex (CdKc) protects probably more than 90% of male workers from developing Cd-induced renal dysfunction.