Health risk assessment of mining sites.

Objective. Considering the health risk associated with mining areas, in thi s work a methodology for the health assessment of this kind of hazardous si tes is proposed. Material and methods. The methodology includes a toxicolog ical assessment, an environmental monitoring of metals, and the exposure as sessment of the high risk population. The scheme was evaluated in the minin g area of Villa de la Pat, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The toxicological studi es were done in rats treated with mining waste, biomarkers of effect for li ver and central nervous tissue were analyzed. Metals levels in surface soil , household dust and water were studied. Finally, urinary arsenic was quant ified in children. Results. Neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity of the mining waste were shown in rats. Then, arsenic and lead levels were analized in su rface soil, household dust, and water. In all three media, exposure points, heavily contaminated with both metals, were localized. Finally, high level s of urinary arsenic were found in children living in the vicinity of the m ine. Conclusions. Taking into account all these results, the Mexican author ities concluded that a high health risk is present in Villa de la Pat, and a remediation program is in progress.