Multiple Exposure and Effects Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Population near Mining Area in South China

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in the environment and several important food sources grown and consumed in the vicinity of Dabaoshan mine in Southern China, and evaluate potential health risks among local residents. The Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations of arable soils and well water near the mines exceeded the quality standard values. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in some food crops (rice grain, vegetable and soybean) samples were significantly higher than the maximum permissible level. The Cd and Pb concentrations in half of the chicken and fish meat samples were higher than the national standard. The residents living near Dabaoshan mine had higher Cd and Pb levels in hair than those of a non-exposed population. The intake of rice was identified as a major contributor to the estimated daily intake of these metals by the residents. The hazard index values for adults and children were 10.25 and 11.11, respectively, with most of the estimated risks coming from the intake of home-grown rice and vegetables. This study highlights the importance of multiple pathways in studying health risk assessment of heavy metal exposure in China.

Levels of some heavy metals in vegetables from artisanal mining sites of Dilimi River, Bukuru and Barkin Ladi North Central Nigeria: any public health concern?

“…particularly in developing countries [61,64]. Population close to the mine areas, especially children are all at risk of heavy metal exposure [38,58].…”

Metals in cosmetics: implications for human health

“…Owing to the common pollution of the natural environment by metals in developed countries and their numerous industrial applications people are exposed to them during the lifetime via food, water or air as well as from occupational sources (Fig. 1;Hengstler et al, 2003;Aguilar et al, 2008;Cao et al, 2010;Zhuang et al, 2014). Herbal medicines and dental amalgams are other sources of exposure to toxic metals (Başgel and Erdemoğlu, 2006;Jallad and Espada-Jallad, 2008;Gasser et al, 2009;Sukender et al, 2012;Oliveira et al, 2014).…”

Metals and arsenic in fish from a Ramsar site under past and present human pressures: Consumption risk factors to the local population

“…Metals accumulated in edible tissues of fish pose health risks to consumers (Rabitto et al, 2011;Tang et al, 2013;Sow et al, 2013). Indeed, the diet can be an important route of exposure in the case of populations indirectly exposed to mining activities (Fréry et al, 2001;Castro-González and Méndez-Armenta, 2008;Marrugo-Negrete et al, 2008;Zhuang et al, 2014). Therefore, studies focused on the quality of edible fish are relevant for characterizing human health risks in areas under the influence of mining activities (Subotić et al, 2013).…”