Metalliferous mine dust: human health impacts and the potential determinants of disease in mining communities

Jane A. Entwistle, Andrew S. Hursthouse, Paula A. Marinho Reis, Alex G. Stewart

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    99 Citations (Scopus)
    166 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Purpose of review
    Many factors influence the health impact of exposure to metalliferous mine dusts and whilst the underpinning toxicology is pivotal, it is not the only driver of health outcomes following exposure. The purpose of this review is twofold: i) to highlight recent advances in our understanding of the hazard posed by metalliferous mine dust, and ii) to broaden an often narrowly framed health risk perspective to consider the wider aetiology of the potential determinants of disease.
    Recent findings
    The hazard posed by metalliferous dusts depends not only on their abundance and particle size, but other properties such as chemical composition, solubility, shape, and surface area, which all play a role in the associated health effects. Better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to toxicity, such as recent advances in our understanding of the role played by reactive oxygen species (ROS), can help in the development of improved in vitro models to support risk assessments, whilst biomonitoring studies have the potential to guide risk management decisions for mining communities.
    Summary
    Environmental exposures are complex; complex geochemically and complex geographically. Research linking the environment to human health is starting to mature, highlighting the subtlety of multiple exposures, mixtures of substances, and the cumulative legacy effects of life in disrupted and stressed environments. We are evolving more refined biomarkers to identify these responses, which enhances our appreciation of the burden of effects on society and also directs us to more sophisticated risk assessment approaches to adequately address evolving regulatory and societal needs.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)67-83
    Number of pages17
    JournalCurrent Pollution Reports
    Volume5
    Issue number3
    Early online date21 May 2019
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2019

    Keywords

    • Bioaccessibility
    • Biomonitoring
    • Exposome
    • Mining legacy
    • Risk assessment

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Metalliferous mine dust: human health impacts and the potential determinants of disease in mining communities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this