The Effects of Lead and Cadmium Co-exposure on Serum Ions in Residents Living Near a Mining and Smelting Area in Northwest China

In this study, we investigated the associations between cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) co-exposure, and serum ion levels in two populations living near a mining/smelting area and a nature reserve (control area), respectively. A total of 445 participants were included in this study. Their blood cadmium (BCd), blood lead (BPb), and serum ion levels were determined, and the association between exposure levels and serum ion levels was analyzed. The exposure levels of subjects living in the polluted area were significantly higher (p