Review of Short-Term, High-Level Exposure to Metals: Antimony, Barium, andCadmium

摘要

The adverse health effects of inhaling the metals antimony, barium, and cadmiumwhich are components of exhaust from military weapons systems have been reviewed. The metals antimony and cadmium are suspected carcinogens. In addition, cadmium at chronic low level has been implicated in kidney dysfunction. There are no documented exposures of Army personnel to the high levels that would result in severe acute effects. Since the chronic effects of these three metals are cumulative, the 8-hour time-weighted average exposure is the proper mechanism for regulating episodic short-term exposures to them at moderately high levels. The report recommends that the Army adhere to the established Federal workplace exposure limits for the three metals and that exposure to antimony and cadmium, the two metals with demonstrated carcinogenic activity, be reduced to a level as low as is reasonably achievable.... Antimony, Gun smoke, Carcinogenicity, Toxicology, Barium, Air pollution, Lungs, Cadmium, Health effects, Kidney.