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Mining industry

Health Risks Associated with Trace Elements in Mining Areas

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Soil samples collected from a small-scale gold mine in Tanzania revealed varying levels of trace elements, posing significant health risks to the local population. The study, conducted by researchers at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, analyzed soil samples from four different areas: mining pits, washing areas, and a control area. The results showed that mercury was detected in the highest levels in the washing area, while copper was found in the highest concentrations in the mining pits.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 74 soil samples from four different areas: mining pits (MD), washing areas (WA and WB), and a control area (C).
  • The concentrations of trace elements varied across the four sampling categories, with mercury detected in the highest levels (max. 3.72 ± 0.15) in the washing area.
  • The hazard index value for all exposure routes was found to be 1.77, indicating significant noncarcinogenic effects on the adult population.
  • For children, the hazard index value was 9.11, showing a severe noncarcinogenic effect on children living in the study area.
  • Cobalt posed the highest noncancer risk for children through both inhalation and dermal pathways.
  • Arsenic indicated the highest noncancer risk to children through ingestion.

Statistics:

  • 74 soil samples were analyzed from four different areas: mining pits (29 samples), washing areas (WA and WB), and a control area (10 samples).
  • Mercury was detected in the highest levels (max. 3.72 ± 0.15) in the washing area.
  • Hazard index value for all exposure routes was 1.77, indicating significant noncarcinogenic effects on the adult population.
  • For children, the hazard index value was 9.11, showing a severe noncarcinogenic effect on children living in the study area.
  • Cobalt posed the highest noncancer risk for children through both inhalation and dermal pathways, with a hazard index value of 3.21.
  • Arsenic indicated the highest noncancer risk to children through ingestion, with a hazard index value of 2.68.

Sources:

  • Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Soil for People Living and Working in a Mining Area. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2021,2021.
  • Health & Medicine Week. New Findings from Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in the Area of Environmental and Public Health Described (Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Soil for People Living and Working in a Mining Area), July 30, 2021.

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