Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible effects of environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure on of bone mineral density (BMD) levels. Methods: A total of 171 residents around abandoned mines in Chungcheongnam-do were surveyed in 2008- 2011. Urinary Cd and BMD were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry and Dual-Energy X-ray absorptionmetry , respectively. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were defined by T-scores set by the WHO; Tscore ≥ −1.0, normal; −1.0 > T-score > −2.5, osteopenia; and T-score ≤ −2.5, osteoporosis. Logistic and multiple linear regressions were applied to estimate the association between U-Cd levels and BMD. Results: The U-Cd geometric mean of 171 Koreans was 2.79 μg/g·cr. The U-Cd concentration was significantly higher among women (2.98 μg/g·cr) than men (2.39 μg/g·cr). With the multiple regression model, the BMD was influenced by U-Cd, BMI, and monthly income. With the logistic regression model, osteoporosis was associated with U-Cd levels (OR = 3.239, 95% CI = 1.770-5.927). Conclusions: We conclude that exposure to cadmium is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.
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