Micronuclei frequency and exposure to chemical mixtures in three Colombian mining populations.

The Colombian mining industry has witnessed significant growth. Depending on the scale and mineral extracted, complex chemical mixtures are generated, impacting the health of occupationally exposed populations and communities near mining projects. Increasing evidence suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN) is an important link between the development of certain diseases and exposure to complex mixtures. To better understand the effects of exposure to complex mixtures we performed a biomonitoring study on 407 healthy individuals from four areas: three located in municipalities exploiting different-scale mining systems and a reference area with no mining activity. Large, medium, and small-scale mining systems were analyzed in Montelibano (Córdoba), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) in Nechí (Antioquia), and a closed mining system in Aranzazu (Caldas). The reference area with no mining activity was established in Montería (Córdoba). ICP-MS measured multi-elemental exposure in hair, and CIN was evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique (MNBN). Exposure to mixtures of chemical elements was comparable in workers and residents of the mining areas but significantly higher compared to reference individuals. In Montelibano, increased MNBN frequencies were associated with combined exposure to Se, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Mg. This distinct pattern significantly differed from other areas. Specifically, in Nechí, Cr, Ni, Hg, Se, and Mg emerged as the primary contributors to elevated frequencies of MNBN. In contrast, a combination of Hg and Ni played a role in increasing MNBN in Aranzazu. Interestingly, Se consistently correlated with increased MNBN frequencies across all active mining areas. Chemical elements in Montelibano exhibit a broader range compared to other mining zones, reflecting the characteristics of the high-impact and large-scale mining in the area. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of exposure to chemical mixtures, underscoring the importance of employing this approach in the risk assessment of communities, especially those from residential areas.

Does sulfuric acid have a 'protective' effect on battery recyclers exposed to lead?

Culturally significant interventions to prevent lead exposure of battery recyclers are required. Sulfuric acid used in batteries causes skin lesions and could facilitate the recognition of hazards. This study explored whether joint exposure to lead and sulfuric acid can be used in interventions to manage hazardous work conditions. Data were collected from 120 informal workers, and the blood lead level was measured. Predictors of blood lead levels were explored using a tobit model. The median blood lead level was 9.45 µg/dL (Q75-Q25: 48.9 µg/dL); when lead and sulfuric acid exposure occurred, the level increased to 11.44 µg/dL, and when exposure to lead and other substances occurred, the level was 11.50 µg/dL. Workers are unaware of the risks of obvious and acute silent chronic exposure. Future preventive interventions could confront the economic benefits of battery recycling with the recognition of susceptibility and severity related to lead and sulfuric acid exposure.

Niños y adolescentes expuestos ambientalmente a mercurio, en diferentes municipios de Colombia / Children and adolescents exposed environmentally to mercury in different municipalities in Colombia

Resumen Objetivo: Establecer la exposición ambiental a mercurio, para identificar el impacto sobre la salud de la población de niños y adolescentes en cuatro departamentos de Colombia. Metodología: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal entre 2014 - 2015, en once municipios de los departamentos de Bolívar, Sucre, Antioquia y Córdoba y dentro de este se realizó un estudio anidado con un grupo de 63 niños y uno de 37 adolescentes de estos municipios. Resultados: El promedio de tiempo de residencia estuvo entre 6 y 9 años y se encontró alta frecuencia de consumo de pescado. El 6,3% de los niños y el 29,7% de los adolescentes, excedieron el límite permisible de mercurio en sangre y el 50,8% de los niños y el 46,0% de los adolescentes excedieron el límite permisible en cabello. En cuanto a los síntomas referenciados por los participantes, hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p>0,05), entre la población de niños y la de adolescentes en salivación excesiva (15,9%), caída del cabello (18,7%), insomnio (29,0%), nerviosismo (19,6%), debilidad (18,0%) y pérdida de memoria (17,3%). Sabor metálico en la boca (8,4%), pérdida de peso (23,4%), temblor (21,5%), problemas de concentración (17,9%) y dolor torácico (17,9%) no mostraron diferencia entre estos dos grupos. Conclusión: Los niños y adolescentes que residen en áreas de explotación de oro o influenciados por la minería de oro, se encuentran expuestos a mercurio, lo que implica un riesgo elevado para su salud.

Abstract Objective: It was proposed to establish the environmental exposure to mercury, to identify the impact on the health of the population of children and adolescents in four departments of Colombia. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between 2014 - 2015, in eleven municipalities of the departments of Bolívar, Sucre, Antioquia and Córdoba and within this a nested study was carried out with a group of 63 children and 37 adolescents from these municipalities. Results: Average residence time between 6 and 9 years and a high frequency of fish consumption was found. 6.3% of children and 29.7% of adolescents exceeded the allowable limit of mercury in blood and 50.8% of children and 46.0% of adolescents exceeded the permissible limit on hair. Regarding the symptoms referenced by the participants, there was a statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the population of children and that of adolescents in excessive salivation (15.9%), hair loss (18.7%), insomnia (29.0%), nervousness (19.6%), weakness (18.0%) and memory loss (17.3%). Metallic taste in the mouth (8.4%), weight loss (23.4%), tremor (21.5%), concentration problems (17.9%) and chest pain (17.9%) did not show difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Children and adolescents who reside in areas of gold exploitation or who are influenced by gold mining are exposed to mercury, which implies a high risk to their health.

Exposure to Mercury in Workers and the Population Surrounding Gold Mining Areas in the Mojana Region, Colombia.

In Colombia, the inhabitants of the Mojana region have historically been subjected to high levels of environmental and occupational exposure to mercury; however, there are few robust data on the magnitude of this exposure and associated factors. This study aimed to describe the levels of mercury in the workers and inhabitants in this region, and to identify the main sociodemographic and occupational factors that are associated with this exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which mercury levels were determined in biological samples (blood, urine, hair) from 1119 people in the Mojana region. A questionnaire was also administered, which was adapted from the Global Mercury Assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for the natural logarithm of mercury levels in blood, urine, and hair, using the factors that were explored as independent variables. The study reports high mercury levels in 35.0% of blood samples (95% CI 31.9⁻38.1%), 28.8% (95% CI 24.9⁻32.8%) of urine samples, and 56.3% (95% CI 53.1⁻59.5%) of hair samples. The reported source of water for consumption was associated with high levels of mercury (p-value < 0.05). We provide evidence of high levels of mercury exposure for the population in the Mojana region.