This study provided new evidence on how exposure to
increased levels of cadmium in air, as measured by urinary
cadmium concentrations, may be related to cardiovascular fitness,
which in turn is predictive of certain physical and physiological
functions in humans. Specifically, our study suggested increased
cadmium exposure was inversely related to estimated VO2 max.
Since VO2 max is a direct measure of cardiovascular fitness, by
extension, our overall results suggested measured urinary cadmium
levels were also inversely related to cardiovascular fitness.
Racial/ethnic and gender differences, however, were observed
between measured urinary cadmium levels and estimated VO2
max. In particular, white males were more negatively impacted
compared with black and Mexican American males, and Mexican
American and black females were more negatively impacted
compared to white females. Future studies should examine these
racial/ethnic and gender differences and resulting health disparities.
The studies conducted should strive to elucidate exposures,
underlying mechanisms and genetic components.