Occupational exposure to cadmium: protocol for a scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Cadmium exposure presents significant health risks, especially in occupational settings.
• Understanding cadmium exposure levels and regulatory measures in the European Union (EU) is crucial for worker safety.
• This review focuses on occupational environments within the EU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cadmium exposure levels in various EU occupational settings.
• To assess current regulatory measures for cadmium exposure.
• To identify high-exposure occupations, geographical/temporal trends, and co-exposures.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review will be conducted following PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
• Included studies will report quantitative occupational cadmium exposure data from biomonitoring and/or air monitoring.
• A descriptive analysis of the collected data will be performed.

Main Results:

• Data on occupational cadmium exposure levels in the EU is being compiled.
• Analysis will identify specific occupational settings with higher exposure risks.
• Geographical, temporal trends, and common co-exposures will be detailed.

Conclusions:

• Findings will provide critical knowledge for occupational health interventions in the EU.
• The review supports evidence-based technical and regulatory strategies for cadmium exposure.
• Results will contribute to enhancing worker protection against cadmium toxicity.