Inorganic arsenic, manganese and cyanide contamination in children with learning disabilities live near an inactive mining industry

Abstract

The health effects caused by the mining industry are mainly due to heavy metal contamination caused by mining, smelting, surface drainage and waste leachate. This event causes the distribution of chemicals and heavy metals in nearby areas and contaminating the food chain. Based on these data, this research aimed to analyze inorganic arsenic, manganese, cyanide contaminants, and determine inflammation and oxidative stress in children with learning disabilities living near an inactive mining industry. The results showed that urinary inorganic arsenic levels were higher than normal in 1 subject (3.6%), manganese serum levels were higher than normal in 10 (35.7%) and cyanide levels were not above normal. In addition, the level of 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were higher than normal in 16 (57.14%) and 3 (10.71%) respectively. The study showed that children with learning disabilities are contaminated with heavy metals and are at risk for oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, monitoring of heavy metal contamination and health effects in vulnerable children who live near the mining industry during the period of operating normally or temporarily suspended will prevent and mitigate health impacts that may occur.