Table 7.
Comparison of blood and urinary heavy metal levels (Pb and Cd) between the present study and previous studies
| Study/Survey | Blood Pb (µg/dL) | Blood Cd (µg/L) | Urine Cd (µg/g cr) | Population | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Present Study | 1.95 | 2.68 | 3.74 | Residents near smelter | 2020 |
| KoNEHS IV (Korea) | 1.51 | 0.71 | 0.39 | General Korean population | 2018–2020 |
| Abandoned Metal Mine Survey – Phase I | 2.84 | 1.59 | 2.23 | Residents near abandoned mine | 2008–2011 |
| Abandoned Metal Mine Survey – Phase II | 2.27 | 1.42 | 1.66 | Residents near abandoned mine | 2013–2017 |
| NHANES (U.S.) | 1.38 | 0.38 | 0.23 µg/L* | General population | 2017–2018 |
| JNHNS (Japan) | 1.77 | 0.58 | 0.58 µg/L* | General population | 2019 |
| CNHS (China) | 3.50 | 0.45 | 0.30 µg/L* | General population | 2018 |
KoNEHS IV Korea national environmental health survey, NHANES national health and nutrition examination survey, JNHNS Japan national health and nutrition survey, CNHS China national health survey