Browsing by Author "Mayan, Olga N."
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- Health impact of living near an abondoned mine - Case study: Jales MinesPublication . Coelho, Patrícia Clara dos Santos; Silva, Susana Pinho; Roma-Torres, Joana; Costa, Carla Sofia; Henriques, Amélia T.; Teixeira, João Paulo Fernandes; Gomes, Maria José; Mayan, Olga N.The activities of mining exploitation in Campo de Jales were performed in an uncontrolled way and gave rise to serious environmental contamination: rubbish depositories have been accumulated with no treatment or maintenance. An investigation developed around Jales Mine showed the existence of some chemical impact originated from the waste produced during mining activities. Some "black spots" for a wide suite of heavy metals were determined in stream sediments and alluvium drained from Jales tailings, which could constitute hazard factors for the area and potential danger for public health. The main objective of this study is to know the effects on health caused by this environmental contamination. It is a case-control study, where two populations--from Campo de Jales and Vilar de Maçada--were compared. They both have very similar living conditions, and were inquired about health issues and screening for lead and cadmium exposure. The results point out to higher prevalence of irritating symptomatology in the mucous of the eyes and respiratory system
- Health survey among people living near an abandoned mine. A case study: Jales mine, PortugalPublication . Gomes, Maria José; Mayan, Olga N.; Henriques, Amélia T.; Silva, Susana; Begonha, AndreiaCampo de Jales is a village surrounding the abandoned Jales mine. The area is heavily contaminated with heavy metals and dusts from large tailings piles as result of centuries of mining operations. The aim of this study is to investigate potential health threats associated with site contamination. The population studied comprised two groups: people living in Campo de Jales (n = 229) and a control group – people living in Vilar de Macada (n = 234). Lead and cadmium exposure and symptoms survey were carried out. The results showed a significant higher levels of blood lead and cadmium between the Campo de Jales residents (lead: 9.5 microgr/dl versus 7.7 microgr/dl; cadmium: 0.84 microgr/dl versus 0,65 microgr/dl) as well as to a higher prevalence of respiratory and irritation symptoms and great concern about his own health. In conclusion: community is the scene of long-term health problems resulting from the site environmental contamination.