Toxicological effects of mining hazard elements

Abstract

Mining plays a prominent role in the economy worldwide since human efforts have been more concentrated in extraction than recycling of natural resources. Ores composed of various minerals vary according to the geological evolution. These are raw materials for the conventional industries or fossil fuels for power generation. They can also be used in new technologies. The mining industry triggers intense environmental impacts. Human exposure to multiple small particles from mining effluent, such as dust, uranium, iron, lead, zinc, silicon, titanium, sulfur, nitrogen, platinum, chromium, vanadium, manganese, and mercury, is a health risk. Such elements can have several pathological effects, such as respiratory and cardiovascular, multiple chronic inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, mining results in severe soil, water (surface and aquifer), and air contamination, reaching large areas far away from the source. Negligence of mining companies, with the recovery of ancient mined areas during the early development of environmental laws and regulations, compromises environmental integrity for more extended periods, increasing coverage of the affected areas. This review evaluates the toxicological effects on humans exposed to the mining wastes and the impact of these compounds on the ecosystem. The results of our evaluation can be used by the government, manufacturers, scientists, private environmental organizations, decision-makers, and readers from different areas of knowledge to explore the potential risk of mining to the ecosystem and human health.

Keywords

• Mining operation
• Toxicology
• Environmental impact
• Ecosystem
• Human health