Abstract
An environmental investigation was initiated following the deaths of cattle from lead poisoning in a former Irish lead and zinc mining area. A study was undertaken to determine blood lead levels (BLL) of children living in the area over a period of three years. Dust and soil samples were collected for environmental lead exposure assessment. The BLL of the children decreased by ∼ 10% in each of the three years of the screening programme. These levels are at, or below, findings from similar BLL studies undertaken in former mining areas worldwide. The study in this report suggests that the elevated environmental lead (Pb) levels are not currently being transferred to humans. Community awareness of environmental health issues has increased significantly in recent years, creating the need for more detailed scientific studies that can identify potential environmental health problems. The Silvermines project was one such study. The objective of this article is to report the study findings.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 265-284 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Keywords
- Abandoned mines
- Blood lead levels
- Children
- Community education programme
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