Khathutshelo Vincent Mphaga, Wells Utembe, Thokozani P Mbonane, Phoka C Rathebe
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Exposure to indoor radon presents a significant risk for lung cancer and is also suspected to be associated with other health issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and leukemia. This study examined the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported cases of lung cancer, COPD, and leukemia among individuals living in close proximity to gold mine tailings, a known source of high radon levels. A cross-sectional study was carried out among residents living near or further away from gold mine tailings in Gauteng, South Africa. A total of 331 residents took part in an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey on socio-demographic characteristics, smoking habits, occupational exposures, adverse health problems, and other factors related to lung cancer, COPD, and leukemia. Subsequently, their homes were tested for indoor radon concentration on the lowest livable floor over a two-hour period from June to July 2023 using AlphaE radon monitors. Logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios (OR) for lung cancer, COPD, and leukemia based on indoor radon exposure, dwelling location, smoking habits, and occupational exposures. The study found significantly higher indoor radon levels in the exposed group (103.30 ± 94.91 Bq/m3) compared to the control group (65.19 ± 47.83 Bq/m3). The results indicated an association between lung cancer and residing near gold mine tailings, while indoor radon exposure was linked to leukemia. However, no association was found between indoor radon exposure and COPD. In regions impacted by gold mine tailings, it is crucial to implement efficient indoor radon mitigation measures and promote public consciousness about the health hazards linked to indoor radon exposure. There is a need to motivate affected residents to adopt proactive steps to lower indoor radon concentrations, including enhancing ventilation practices.
期刊介绍：
Environmental Geochemistry and Health publishes original research papers and review papers across the broad field of environmental geochemistry. Environmental geochemistry and health establishes and explains links between the natural or disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface and the health of plants, animals and people.
Beneficial elements regulate or promote enzymatic and hormonal activity whereas other elements may be toxic. Bedrock geochemistry controls the composition of soil and hence that of water and vegetation. Environmental issues, such as pollution, arising from the extraction and use of mineral resources, are discussed. The effects of contaminants introduced into the earth’s geochemical systems are examined. Geochemical surveys of soil, water and plants show how major and trace elements are distributed geographically. Associated epidemiological studies reveal the possibility of causal links between the natural or disturbed geochemical environment and disease. Experimental research illuminates the nature or consequences of natural or disturbed geochemical processes.
The journal particularly welcomes novel research linking environmental geochemistry and health issues on such topics as: heavy metals (including mercury), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and mixed chemicals emitted through human activities, such as uncontrolled recycling of electronic-waste; waste recycling; surface-atmospheric interaction processes (natural and anthropogenic emissions, vertical transport, deposition, and physical-chemical interaction) of gases and aerosols; phytoremediation/restoration of contaminated sites; food contamination and safety; environmental effects of medicines; effects and toxicity of mixed pollutants; speciation of heavy metals/metalloids; effects of mining; disturbed geochemistry from human behavior, natural or man-made hazards; particle and nanoparticle toxicology; risk and the vulnerability of populations, etc.
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