A research team led by professor Choi Yun-hyeong at Gachon University discovered that exposure to cadmium, which is often found in fine dust and cigarettes, can have a negative impact on one’s walking speed, after conducting an epidemiological survey with over 3,600 individuals over the age of 50. (Image: National Research Foundation of Korea)
DAEJEON, Nov. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – Cadmium, one of the key substances in fine dust particles, can slow down an individual’s walking pace, a new study has claimed.
A research team led by professor Choi Yun-hyeong at Gachon University discovered that exposure to cadmium, which is often found in fine dust and cigarettes, can have a negative impact on one’s walking speed, after conducting an epidemiological survey with over 3,600 individuals over the age of 50.
The survey found that among the 3,671 senior Americans, those with higher levels of cadmium exposure were found to walk slower than others.
When looking into the details, researchers found that those in the top 20 percent for cadmium exposure walked 3.3 meters fewer every minute, compared to those in the bottom 20 percent, which is the equivalent of aging seven years.
The silver-white colored heavy metal can also cause a number of medical conditions including breathing problems, liver disorders, and cancer, and can be consumed through seafood, cereals, and vegetables.
In a separate animal test, the researchers also found that exposure to cadmium can damage the motor system while increasing the oxidative stress level and infection, which as a result can have a negative impact on the central nervous system and slow down the walking pace.
“It’s the first study to look into the link between the level of cadmium in the blood and walking speed. If the findings are used in the making of the government’s environment health policy, it will be very helpful in preventing musculoskeletal disorder and the deterioration of motor skills,” said Choi.
According to the National Research Foundation of Korea, the group that funded the study, there are a significant number of studies that warn of the dangers of cadmium poisoning, while little research has been conducted to shed light on the exposure to the harmful heavy metal in everyday life.
The study was conducted with the help of the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, as part of the president’s postdoctoral fellowship program.
The findings are set to be published in the renowned international academic journal Environmental Pollution.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
