科研之友
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摘要
In August 2009 a combined epidemiological and ecological pilot study was conducted to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the form of exposures to toxic metals experienced by mine workers and Indigenous Mam Mayan near the Marlin Mine in Guatemala In the human study there were no differences in blood and urine metals when comparing five mine workers with eighteen non-mine workers and there were no discernible relationships between metal exposures and self-reported health measures in any study group On the other hand individuals residing closest to the mine had significantly higher levels of certain metals (urinary mercury copper arsenic and zinc) when compared to those living further away The levels of blood aluminum manganese and cobalt were elevated in comparison to established normal ranges in many individuals however there was no apparent relationship to proximity to the mine or occupation and thus are of unclear significance In the ecological study several metals (aluminum manganese and cobalt) were found significantly elevated in the river water and sediment sites directly below the mine when compared to sites elsewhere When the human and ecological results are combined they suggest that exposures to certain metals may be elevated in sites near the mine but it is not clear if the current magnitude of these elevations poses a significant threat to health The authors conclude that more robust studies are needed while parallel efforts to minimize the ecological and human impacts of mining proceed This is critical particularly as the impact of the exposures found could be greatly magnif
- 出版日期2010-12-1
