Kadm w tkankach koni w Polsce

The cadmium content in kidneys, livers and muscles of 340 horses was examined in the years of 1980, 1982 and 1989. Samples for analysis were taken from 10 slaughterhouses located in different regions of Poland. The cadmium concentrations in horse tissues were about 25—50 times higher than those in other food producing animals. Mean Cd concentration in muscles was 0,62 mg/kg. Significant regional differences were found between agricultural and industrial areas. The cadmium level was significantly higher (p < 0,001) in horse kidneys and livers from the Southern parts of Poland, than in the same organs from the North. No correlation was found between Cd concentration in analyzed tissues and age of the horses.