Occupational and environmental risks in and around a smelter in northern Sweden

Abstract

The Rönnskär smelter in northern Sweden emits a number of potentially toxic substances, of which arsenic, lead and sulphur dioxide have caused most public concern. Birth weight was studied in the offspring of women working at the Rönnskär smelter and in four populations (A–D) at different distances from the smelter. In the offspring of employees and in two small industrial populations (A and B) close to the smelter a significantly decreased birth weight was found. This decrease showed a consistent parity dependence, affecting mainly later pregnancies.

A review on exposure and effects of arsenic in passerine birds

“…Increased incidences of Raynaud's phenomenon (peripheral vascular disease), vasospasticity, increased systolic blood pressure Humans Jensen and Hansen (1998); Lagerkvist et al (1986) Dermal effects Dermatitis, mild pigmentation, keratosis of skin, or gross pigmentation with hyperkeratinization of exposed skin Humans Cöl et al (1999); Perry et al (1948) Neurological effects Increased in peripheral neuropathy, decreased nerve conduction velocity Humans Feldman et al (1979); Lagerkvist and Zetterlund (1994) Developmental effects Increased incidence of abortion and congenital malformations in children Humans Nordström et al, (1979aNordström et al, ( , 1979b Ocular effects Chemical conjunctivitis Humans Pinto and Mcgill (1953) Cancer Lung cancer Humans Enterline et al, (1987aEnterline et al, ( , 1987b Holson et al (1999); Nagymajtényi et al (1985) Immunological effects Decreased pulmonary bactericidal activity and increased susceptibility to streptococcal infections Mouse Aranyi et al (1985) Gastrointestinal effects Gross gastrointestinal lesions Rat Holson et al (1999) Inhalation exposure (organic arsenic) Respiratory effects Respiratory distress and bright red lungs with dark spots Rat and mouse Stevens et al (1979) Dermal effects Erythematous lesions on feet and ears (probably due to direct irritation from dermal contact with the dust) Rat Stevens et al (1979) Ocular effects Encrustation around the eyes (probably due to direct irritation from ocular contact with the dust)…”

Exploring chronic arsenic poisoning in pre-Columbian Chilean mummies

“…Natural water sources, particularly in the Camarones valley located about 100 km south of the modern city of Arica, have arsenic levels 100 times higher than the 10 mg/L normal limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Chronic arsenic poisoning produces a myriad of health problems ranging from premature birth, stillbirths, neonatal death, skin disorders, growth arrest, neurological disorders and various types of cancer (Ahmad et al, 2001;Hopenhayn-Rich et al, 2000;Nordströ m et al, 1979). In addition, arseniasis causes teratogenic anomalies such as cleft palate and neural tube defects including spina bifida to name a few (Ahmad et al, 2001;Centeno et al, 2002;Hood, 1972).…”

Best practices for promoting farmers’ health: the case of arsenic history

“…There is little evidence that arsenic affects prenatal development in exposed humans. However, mean birth weights were reported to be decreased in offspring of occupationally exposed females employed in a copper smelter (Nordstrom et al 1978). It should be noted, however, that this represents a "multi-hazardous exposure" pattern, as discussed in the Beckman et al (1977) study cited above.…”