Investigation on Health Effects of an Abandoned Metal Mine

Abstract

To investigate potential health risks associated with exposure to metals from an abandoned metal mine, the authors studied people living near an abandoned mine (n=102) and control groups (n=149). Levels of cadmium, copper, arsenic, lead, and zinc were measured in the air, soil, drinking water, and agricultural products. To assess individual exposure, biomarkers of each metal in blood and urine were measured. β2-microglobulin, α1-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and bone mineral density were measured. Surface soil in the study area showed 2-10 times higher levels of metals compared to that of the control area. Metal concentrations in the groundwater and air did not show any notable differences between groups. Mean concentrations of cadmium and copper in rice and barley from the study area were significantly higher than those of the control area (p<0.05). Geometric means of blood and urine cadmium in the study area were 2.9 µg/L and 1.5 µg/g Cr, respectively, significantly higher than those in the control area (p<0.05). There were no differences in the levels of urinary markers of early kidney dysfunction and bone mineral density. The authors conclude that the residents near the abandoned mine were exposed to higher levels of metals through various routes.

Blood lead levels of residents living around 350 abandoned metal mines in Korea

“…These surveys indeed indicated potential health risks to inhabitants. Additionally, prior to the current study, some biomonitoring studies were conducted to evaluate the bodily concentrations of heavy metals in people living near abandoned mines (Park et al 1998;Kim et al 2008).…”

“…Thus, heavy metal contamination of soil, water, and crops and their impact on residents is an ongoing social issue not only in Korea but also in other countries, and several studies have identified health risks to residents living near abandoned mines (Park et al 1998;Alonso et al 2001;Chung et al 2005;Yapici et al 2006;Mayan et al 2006;Coelho et al 2007;Sakong 2007;Kim et al 2008). In Korea, following the outbreak of diseases resulting from cadmium contamination in residents living near an abandoned mine at Gosung (Kim et al 2008) and several health-related episodes near abandoned mines (Sakong 2007), the Ministry of Environment (MOE) prepared a comprehensive environmental health plan for 2006-2015 to address complex and diverse environmental pollution problems (Ministry of Environment 2006). Specifically, the MOE has developed environmental health policies based on integrated pollution management and precautionary principles.…”

Impacts of lead/zinc mining and smelting on the environment and human health in China

“…Under certain conditions, heavy metals released by lead/zinc mining may activate, migrate and accumulate in various target media that may directly or indirectly impact plants, animals and humans (Wang et al 1994;Chiaradia et al 1997;Grattan et al 2002;Liu et al 2005a, b;Pusapukdepob et al 2009;Bai and Yan 2008;Kim et al 2008). Lead is not an essential element for the human body, and excessive intake can damage the nervous, skeletal, circulatory, enzymatic, endocrine, and immune systems.…”

Risk Assessment of the Abandoned Jukjeon Metal Mine in South Korea Following the Korean Guidelines

“…Toxic metal contaminations in soils in the vicinity of Korean abandoned metal mines and the health risks to the inhabitants have been reported elsewhere Chon 2003, 2005;Chung et al 2005;Kim et al 2005Kim et al , 2008Lee et al 2005aLee et al ,b, 2006Lee et al , 2008Lim et al 2008). Metal mines were actively developed in the early 20th century in Korea; however, most of these mines were closed and abandoned in the 1970s Risk Assessment of the Abandoned Jukjeon Metal Mine without proper management because of economic conditions and the exhaustion of ore reserves (Kim et al 2005).…”