[Combined exposure to lead and cadmium in selected groups of people in Upper Silesia].

The aim of investigation was an assessment of potential combined exposure to lead and cadmium in selected groups of people in Upper Silesia. The employees of coal-mines, of smelting works, and non exposed occupationally population were investigated. The following groups of employees were distinguished: in coal-mines--miners (38 persons), workers on the surface of earth (77 persons), in smelting works--smelters (8 persons), accessory workers (37 persons), clerks (18 persons) and non-exposed occupationally groups (66 persons). Schema of investigation was based on the earlier elaborated model of combined exposure assessment and questionnaire results obtained from the examined groups. The levels of exposure were determined on the base of average values of concentration of lead and cadmium, obtained as results of monitoring occupational air, ambient air, drinking water, soil, diets, cigarettes, time of exposure, pulmonary ventilation, retention, and output of absorption efficiency. The highest absorbed doses of both metals were determined in smelters (4.5 mg Pb and 0.22 mg Cd) and in accessory workers (0.9 mg Pb and 0.029 mg Cd). Occupational exposure was the main origin of these doses. Diet and drinking water are the main exposure pathway in case of employees of coal-mines, who absorbed doses from 0.43-0.51 mg Pb, and 0.029-0.043 mg Cd. The significant sources of absorbed amounts of cadmium are cigarettes, which increase absorbed dose of cadmium from 0.016 mg in a group nonexposed occupationally to 0.035 mg in miners. Absorbed dose of lead in combine exposure by smelters only may be a result of adverse health effects.