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Olfactory disorders induced by cadmium exposure: a clinical study
B Rydzewski1, W Sułkowski, M Miarzyńska
1ENT Department, F. Raszeja Municipal Hospital, Poznań, Poland.
Summary
Occupational exposure to cadmium significantly impairs workers' sense of smell, leading to conditions like hyposmia and parosmia. Regular olfactory testing is crucial for early detection and intervention in at-risk industrial environments.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Olfaction is vital for industrial safety, acting as an early warning system against toxic exposures.
- Cadmium is a toxic metal prevalent in industry, known to cause olfactory impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate olfactory function in workers occupationally exposed to cadmium.
- To correlate olfactory impairment with cadmium levels in biological samples and workplace air, and duration of employment.
Main Methods:
- Olfactometry (Elsberg and Levy method, modified by Pruszewicz) using coffee, aniseed, lemon, and mint oils.
- Assessment of odor detection threshold (ODT) and odor identification threshold (OIT).
- Analysis of cadmium concentrations in blood, urine, and workplace air; medical and ENT examinations.
Main Results:
- Significant olfactory disorders observed: hyposmia (26.0%), parosmia (17.8%), and anosmia (1.4%).
- Statistically significant correlation between olfactory impairment and cadmium levels in blood, urine, and air.
- Hypertrophic nasal changes noted, linked to employment duration; no correlation found with employment duration itself.
Conclusions:
- Occupational cadmium exposure is linked to significant olfactory dysfunction.
- Routine olfactometry is recommended for early detection of olfactory impairment in exposed workers.
- Findings support the need for preventive and therapeutic measures based on olfactory assessments.