Neurological and neuropsychological deterioration in artisanal gold miners from the town of Andacollo,Chile

It is widely known that human exposure to mercury vapor can cause neurological and neuropsychological deterioration. We have investigated if a population of Chilean artisanal gold-mining workers heavily exposed to elemental mercury (Hg⁰) display neurological and neuropsychological impairment. Male volunteers occupationally exposed to Hg⁰ (“gold miners”, n = 35) were recruited and compared with a group of unexposed workers (n = 40). Blood specimens were obtained from both groups for total mercury quantification. Upon neurological examination, 71% of the “gold miners” group showed abnormalities expressed as frontal impairment, tremor, or simultaneously frontal impairment, parkinsonism, and pyramidal syndrome. In contrast, only 16% of the individuals in the control group displayed neurological abnormalities. The “gold miners” group also showed impairment of the neuropsychological performance and the distribution of abnormal scores for almost all the neuropsychological tests applied was significantly higher in this group compared to the control group. Educational level, alcohol intake, and smoking habits did not influence the outcome of the neurological or neuropsychological examinations. Finally, despite that the higher blood mercury concentrations were found in the “gold miners” group, they were not significantly different from the values obtained in the control group.     

Seasonal distribution and speciation of mercury in a gold mining area,north-west province,South Africa

The seasonal speciation of mercury (Hg) was determined in water, soil, and sediments from watersheds located in the North-West province of South Africa. The study area is known to have a long history of mining activities which also include the recovery of gold from old tailings. Both inorganic (IHg) and methyl mercury (MHg) were detected at high concentrations (up to 8480 μg IHg kg^?1 and 13 μg MHg kg^?1) in surface sediments during dry season. A considerable remobilization of Hg from bottom sediments was observed in water from dry to wet season as well as the migration of Hg away from pollution sources due to seasonal influences. Hg in sediments mostly has been speciated as Hg⁰. Enhancement of Hg methylation occurred mainly in deeper sediments at regions corresponding to the lowest redox potential, higher pH, and enrichment of IHg. Hg values in borehole waters were very high (up to 3310 ng L^?1) suggesting a serious contamination of the site groundwater which needs to be addressed urgently in order to minimize further impact that affects the Vaal River and other water systems located nearby.     

Influence of Environmental Contamination with PCBs on Human Health

Statistical data on different sicknesses have been processed to evaluate the dynamics of human health in Serpukhov City (an administrative centre in the Moscow region of Russia) and to estimate the contribution of ecological factors to the total level of morbidity. Chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) appear to be among the most dangerous contaminants of the ecosystem that includes the urban areas and those lands, which are actively used for vegetable production. A preliminary health risk calculation for PCBs has been done using soil contamination data. We estimated the share of cancer attributable to soil contamination with PCBs to be approximately 6% of the value of total cancer morbidity in Serpukhov. The highest level of soil pollution by PCBs occurred in the district of the city where the highest values of some other sicknesses also were located. The results of this study could be useful for decision-making and planning of environmental policy in the city.     

煤矿型城市城区居民人发中汞的空间分布特征及影响因素分析

为了解淮南市不同城区居民人发中Hg分布特征和影响当地居民人体Hg富集的因素。在淮南市市区选择68名正常状态下的居民头发,用氢化物发生-原子荧光法测定人发中总汞含量。结果显示：淮南市市区居民人发中Hg的平均浓度为(0.390±0.173) μg·g^-1,Hg浓度主要分布于0~0.5 μg·g^-1较低浓度区间内,占总样品数的77.94%;市区内人发中Hg平均浓度呈现出谢家集(0.468±0.144 μg·g^-1) > 潘集(0.384±0.199 μg·g^-1) > 田家庵(0.377±0.176 μg·g^-1) > 大通(0.373±0.116 μg·g^-1);不同性别上,当地男性头发中Hg的平均含量为(0.436±0.188) μg·g^-1,显著高于女性的(0.343±0.146) μg·g^-1(P = 0.021 < 0.05);不同年龄段内,40~60岁年龄段居民头发中Hg平均含量最高,达0.445 μg·g^-1;不同工作、生活环境上,淮南市居民头发中Hg平均含量呈现出矿区 > 过渡区 > 对照城区,其Hg平均含量分别达(0.466±0.174)、(0.380±0.167)、(0.304±0.151) μg·g^-1,矿区居民人发中Hg含量分别高出过渡区与对照城区居民人发Hg含量达22.6%和53.3%。相比较美国国家环境保护局提出的人发中Hg的参考剂量1 μg·g^-1,淮南市城区居民人发中Hg含量较低。但是对比非矿业活动区,矿区居民人发中Hg含量显著高于对照城区居民(P = 0.0098 < 0.01),过渡区居民人发中Hg含量与矿区和对照城区差异性均不明显。     

Manufactured silver and gold nanoparticles-induced apoptosis by caspase-pathway in human cell lines

Abstract

Metallic nanoparticles have emerged as an important class of nanomaterials for a wide range of industrial and medical applications. Because of the intensive commercial applications, risk assessment of these nanoparticles is of great importance. In the present study, the human hepatoma and leukemia cells were used to characterize the apoptotic effects of silver nanoparticles (4.7 and 42?nm) and gold nanoparticles (30?nm). Apoptotic cells were identified by chromatin condensation and flow cytometry analysis, using Annexin V/PI, TUNEL and caspase activation assays. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the three metallic nanoparticles induced apoptotic cell death in a concentration and time dependent-manner. Moreover, the three nanoparticles induced activation of caspase-3 and -7 in hepatoma and leukemia cells. Apoptotic effects were stronger after exposure of both cell lines with 4.7?nm silver nanoparticles than those obtained with 42?nm silver and 30?nm gold nanoparticles. In conclusion, silver (4.7 and 42?nm) and gold (30?nm) nanoparticles induced apoptosis in hepatoma and leukemia cells via the caspase dependent pathway. The smaller silver nanoparticles (4.7?nm) had a greater ability to induce apoptosis in both cell lines.     

城市化及其地下水质量与人体健康关系

全球变化条件下可利用水资源日益贫乏,地下水利用强度在不断增大。综述了该背景下的地下水利用状况、城市化进程中地下水与人体健康关系,强调地下水生态系统健康与人体健康密切相关,提出了地下水与人体健康关系的研究有待于继续深化等问题的对策。以期人们在评估全球变化条件下的健康问题上,给予地下水质量以重视。     

The Health of the Oceans - A 1994 Update

Three collectives of substances - plastics, plant nutrients, biotoxins - are candidates for monitoring programmes that could keep track of the quality of ocean waters for vital life processes. All three are not subject to systematic surveillance at present. They are each characterized by long residence times in the marine environment, by increasing influx, and by growing evidence of their deleterious impacts on living systems.     

Healing and edible clays: a review of basic concepts,benefits and risks

The use of clay by humans for medicinal and wellness purposes is most probably as old as mankind. Within minerals, due to its ubiquitous occurrence in nature and easy availability, clay was the first to be used and is still used worldwide. Healing clays have been traditionally used by man for therapeutic, nutritional and skin care purposes, but they could impart some important health and skin care risks. For instance, clay particles could adsorb and make available for elimination or excretion any potential toxic elements or toxins being ingested or produced, but they could adsorb and make available for incorporation, through ingestion or through dermal absorption, toxic elements, e.g. heavy metals. Edible clays, a particular case of healing clays, have been traditionally used by man for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. Geophagy, the deliberate soil eating, earth eating, clay eating and pica (medical condition or eating disorder shown by individuals addicted to eat earth substances), has been observed in all parts of the world since antiquity, reflecting cultural practice, religious belief and physiological needs, be they nutritional (dietary supplementation) or as a remedy for disease. This paper pretends to review historical data, basic concepts and functions, as well as benefits and risks of the use of healing clays, in general, for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, and of edible clays, in particular, for therapeutic purposes.     

Impact of Gold mining on the Environment and Human Health: A Case Study in the Migori Gold Belt, Kenya

The study of gold sites in the Migori Gold Belt, Kenya, revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals, mainly Hg, Pb and As are above acceptable levels. Tailings at the panning sites recorded values of 6.5–510 mg kg^–1 Pb, 0.06–76.0 mg kg^–1 As and 0.46–1920 mg kg^–1 Hg. Stream sediments had values of 3.0–11075 mg kg^–1 Pb, 0.014–1.87 mg kg^–1 As and 0.28–348 mg kg^–1 Hg. The highest metal contamination was recorded in sediments from the Macalder stream (11075 mg kg^–1 Pb), Nairobi mine tailings (76.0 mg kg^–1 As) and Mickey tailings (1920 mg kg^–1 Hg). Mercury has a long residence time in the environment and this makes its emissions from artisan mining a threat to health. Inhaling large amounts of siliceous dust, careless handling of mercury during gold panning and Au/Hg amalgam processing, existence of water logged pits and trenches; and large number of miners sharing poor quality air in the mines are the major causes of health hazards among miners. The amount of mercury used by miners for gold amalgamation during peak mining periods varies from 150 to 200 kg per month. Out of this, about 40% are lost during panning and 60% lost during heating Au/Hg amalgam. The use of pressure burners to weaken the reef is a deadly mining procedure as hot particles of Pb, As and other sulphide minerals burn the body. Burns become septic. This, apparently, leads to death within 2–3 years. On-site training of miners on safe mining practices met with enthusiasm and acceptance. The use of dust masks, air filters and heavy chemical gloves during mining and mineral processing were readily accepted. Miners were thus advised to purchase such protective gear, and to continue using them for the sake of their health. The miners' workshop, which was held at the end of the project is likely to bear fruit. The Migori District Commissioner and other Government officials, including medical officers attended this workshop. As a result of this, the Government is seriously considering setting up a clinic at Masara, which is one of the mining centres in the district. This would improve the health of the mining community.     

Assessment by Hair analysis of Mercury Exposure Among Mining Impacted Communities of Mindanao and Palawan, The Philippines

Human mercury (Hg) exposure in two contrasting areas of mining and mineral processing activity on the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Palawan was evaluated using hair analysis. On Mindanao, samples were collected from residents of Apokon, a major regional centre for gold beneficiation. On Palawan, a former cinnabar mine and mine-waste disposal site in Honda Bay formed the focus of investigation. Relatively high hair Hg burdens (up to 13mg Hg kg^–1 at Apokon and 18.5mg Hg kg^–1 in Honda Bay) were observed in both populations, with occupational factors apparently constituting a first-order exposure control. At Apokon, hair burdens in excess 2mg Hg kg^–1 were recorded in 90% of Au processing plant workers, compared with 21% of other sectors of the population. In Bay, ex-mineworkers, although possibly subject to occupational Hg exposure in the past, now display no evidence of this influence. Fishermen, however, systematically yielded hair Hg concentrations a factor of 2.5 higher than those of the remaining population. Approximately 7% of the Apokon and Honda Bay residents sampled presented hair Hg concentrations equal to or in excess of the World Health Organisation (WHO) reference dose. There is little evidence to indicate that residential factors significantly influence Hg exposure in either area. Hazard mitigation strategies involving the isolation of resident populations from perceived contaminant sources such as ore processing plant and sites of mine-waste disposal are, therefore, unlikely to prove beneficial.     

新疆玛河流域土壤和蔬菜汞分布特征与生态、人体健康风险评价

采集玛河流域140份土壤和126株蔬菜样品进行汞含量分析,检测土壤矿物质成分,分析污染状况,探究表层土壤汞空间分布特征和来源,探讨人体健康风险.结果表明,研究区表层土壤汞含量最高,含量在0.001—0.901 mg·kg-1,平均值为0.187 mg·kg-1,是新疆背景值的11倍.土壤矿物成分相似,主要为石英、长石、伊利石、蒙脱石、方解石.富集系数及潜在生态危害指数显示,除工业区严重富集外其余为中度到轻度富集,整体处于严重生态危害,形成了以化工园为中心的点—面污染.地统计学和多元统计学表明,研究区汞含量空间变异大,存在显著差异,化工园区汞含量最高,主要来源于工业生产;其次是城市和农业区,主要受到城市生活垃圾和农药、交通的影响;人类活动罕见的山区和沙漠地区含量最低.健康风险评价表明,土壤汞对儿童和成人的非致癌风险（HI）均在可接受范围内,沙湾大型电解铝厂周围菊科蔬菜汞对人体造成非致癌风险,其余区域均在可接受范围内.     

我国典型城市大气汞污染及对人体健康的影响

汞(Hg)是唯一以气态形式存在于大气环境中的有毒重金属污染物,对人体健康和生态系统具有多方面的潜在危害。本文首先描述了我国长春、兰州、北京、上海、武汉、广州、贵阳和重庆等一些典型城市的大气Hg时空分布特征、浓度水平以及季节变化规律;之后,就我国大气Hg的主要污染源进行了分析,指出:煤燃烧是我国大气Hg最主要的污染源,有色金属熔炼以及水泥和钢铁的生产也是重要的污染源;最后,通过分析大气Hg直接和间接暴露途径,阐述了大气Hg对人体的心血管和生殖系统等以及通过水生或陆生食物链的蓄积和放大作用对人体健康可能产生的不良影响。     

Size-dependent in vitro cytotoxicity assay of gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNps) may serve as a promising model to address the size-dependent biological response of cell lines. Their size can be controlled with great precision during chemical synthesis. AuNps have potential applications in drug delivery, cancer diagnosis, and therapy, in the food industry, and for environmental remediation. However, some of the recent literature contains conflicting data regarding the cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles. Against this background, a systematic study of water soluble gold nanoparticles stabilized by citrate ranging in size from 3?nm to 45?nm were synthesized. The cytotoxicity of these particles were tested by employing the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay), the neutral red cellular uptake assay, and lactate dehydrogenase release assay. Noticeable differences in the cytotoxic effects depending on the assay, and the nanoparticle size have been found. Citrate stabilized gold nanoparticles with sizes of 3?nm, 8?nm, and 30?nm were more sensitive to the cell lines and caused gradual cell death within 24?h at higher concentrations. This results in IC50 values ranging from 57 to 78?μgmL^?1 depending on the particle size, and cell line combinations. In contrast, AuNps with diameters of 5?nm, 6?nm, 10?nm, 17?nm, and 45?nm were nontoxic up to three to four fold higher concentrations, and at long-term exposure.     

Health risks for residents and neighbours of a shut down industrial waste site

An epidemiologic study of residents and neighbours of a shut down industrial waste site in Bielefeld‐Brake determined an increase of the transaminases GOT, GPT, gamma‐GT. Waste muds of metal‐working industries, carbide, and marble mud, as well as domestic rubbish were deposited on the industrial waste site. After its shut down the site was filled up with rubble and a residential area was built on. During the building activities gas production was observed and soil analysis proved highly increased concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, zinc, and chrome‐nickel. The soil‐air analysis resulted in high values of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene.     

Environmental risks and the potential benefits of nanopesticides: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - With the escalating food demand of the ever-increasing global population and the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanopesticides are being proposed as...     

Exposure assessment for mercury from consumption of marine fish in Iran

Seven species of marine fish in the Persian Gulf and three species of marine fish in the Caspian Sea were collected from the local wholesale market in Mashhad, Iran. The mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. High total Hg concentration was found in Anchovy sprat (2.04 ± 1.23 µg g^?1) and Whitecheek shark (1.26 ± 1.85 µg g^?1) and the lowest content was detected in common carp (0.24 ± 0.24 µg g^?1) and Caspian salmon (0.25 ± 0.08 µg g^?1). The mean Hg content in all samples was 0.91 ± 1.07 µg g^?1. All samples of Persian Gulf and one sample of Caspian Sea had mean Hg concentration above 0.5 µg g^?1, the level established by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. Results showed that the estimated weekly intake of total Hg by a 60 kg adult is below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. For prevention of health risks, populations in Iran need to consume fish in moderate amounts.     

Distribution,enrichment, accumulation and potential ecological risks of mercury in the sediments of Kaohsiung Harbor,Taiwan

The distribution, enrichment, accumulation and potential ecological risks of mercury (Hg) in the surface sediments of Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan, were investigated. Sediment samples from 20 locations throughout Kaohsiung Harbor were collected quarterly from 2006 to 2011, and characterised for mercury, aluminium, water content, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, total grease and grain size. The results showed that Hg concentrations varied from 0.06–6.73 mg kg^?1 with an average of 0.54±0.71 mg kg^?1. The spatial distribution of Hg reveals that the Hg concentration is relatively higher in the river mouth regions, especially at the Love River and Canon River mouths from where it gradually diminishes toward the harbour entrance region. The results from the enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index analyses reveal that the sediments near the Love River and Canon River mouths experience severe enrichment and strong accumulation of Hg that originates from upstream sources of pollution. The assessment of biological effects indicates that concentrations of 92.5% Hg found in the sediment are higher than effects range low, implying that the harbour sediments may cause an adverse impact on aquatic lives. The results of a potential ecological risk index indicate that the sediment has higher to serious levels of ecological potential risks.     

矿区周围稻米重金属积累及健康风险分析

选用杂交稻、常规稻和糯稻3个水稻品系共21个水稻品种在广东大宝山矿区周围重金属污染土壤中进行大田试验,研究Cu、Zn、Pb、As和Cd 5种重金属元素在不同水稻品种(品系)稻米中的积累状况,并进行健康风险评价分析。结果表明,供试水稻稻米中Cd和Pb超标率很高,分别为100%和71.43%;Cu和As超标现象不严重,超标率分别为4.76%和14.29%;Zn含量均不超标。供试水稻品系中常规稻和糯稻稻米对Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd的积累能力较高,杂交稻则较低;但杂交稻稻米对As的积累能力高于其他2个品系。稻米中Cu、Zn、Pb、As和Cd含量与稻谷生物量均呈负相关关系,其中Pb含量与稻谷生物量呈显著负相关。供试水稻稻米对5种重金属的富集能力由高到低排序为Cd>Zn>Cu>As>Pb。本研究表明供试土壤中Cd和Pb对人体健康存在比较严重的潜在威胁,Cu、Zn和As对人体健康的潜在危害较小,应重点关注大宝山矿区稻米Cd和Pb的重金属污染问题及其对人体健康的潜在危害。