The aim of the present study mas to compare the gender difference for cadmium-induced renal tubular dysfunction between the male and female inhabitants. Methods Urinary β2-microglobulin was measured in 299 male (94%) and 342 female (92%) inhabitants aged 54-72 years,and the development of renal tubular dysfunction for 11 years was studied in the 62 married couples from them. Results A significantly higher cumulative incidence was found in both men and women in cadmium-polluted area,showing 68. 4% in men and 64. 8% in women compared to 15. 3% in men and 5. 9% in women in the reference areas. Relative risk of renal tubular dysfunction in females (11. 0) was higher than males (4. 5). The ratios of urinary β2-microglobulin and glucose were higher in women than those in men in both the cadmium-polluted areas and the reference areas. Conclusion Although almost identical incidences were detected between men and women, the changes in excretion of β2-microglobulin and glucose was greater in women than those i The aim of the present study mas to compare the gender difference for cadmium-induced renal tubular dysfunction between the male and female inhabitants. Methods Urinary β2-microglobulin was measured in 299 male (94%) and 342 female (92%) inhabitants aged 54 -72 years, and the development of renal tubular dysfunction for 11 years was studied in the 62 married couples from them. Results A significantly higher cumulative incidence was found in both men and women in cadmium-polluted area, showing 68. 4% in men 3% in men and 5. 9% in women in the reference areas. Relative risk of renal tubular dysfunction in females (11.0) was higher than males (4.5). The ratios of urinary β2-microglobulin and glucose were higher in women than those in men in both the cadmium-polluted areas and the reference areas. glucose was greater in women than those i