The prevalence of toxic hotspots in former Soviet countries. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharov, Petr; Dowling, Russell; Gogishvili, Megi; Jones, Barbara; Caravanos, Jack; McCartor, Andrew; Kashdan, Zachary; Fuller, Richard
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 211(2016)
• Page Start: 346
• Page End: 353
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Pollution -- Health -- Environment -- Assessment -- Toxics -- Post-Soviet; TSIP Toxic Sites Identification Program -- ISS Initial Site Screening -- RSL Regional Screening Level; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Using a global database of contaminated sites, toxic hotspots in eight former Soviet countries were analyzed to identify the prevalence, types and sources of toxic pollution, as well as their associated potential public health impacts. For this analysis, polluted sites in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan were compiled and analyzed. The levels of contamination of seven key pollutants were assessed in each country. 424 contaminated sites were identified using data from Blacksmith Institute. Pesticides, lead (Pb), radioactive metals, arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) were the most commonly identified key pollutants. Collectively, these sites pose health risks to an estimated 6.2 million residents. The existing data on toxic hotspots in former Soviet countries likely captures only a small percentage of actual contaminated sites, but suggests potentially severe public health consequences. Additional assessments are needed to understand the risks posed by toxic pollution in the region. Highlights: Pollution in 8 former Soviet countries poses a health risk to 6.2 million residents. The most commonly found key pollutants are pesticides, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The majority of sites can be traced to Soviet legacy pollution. Abstract : 424 sites were identified in the analysis. Pesticides, Pb, radioactive metals, As, Hg, Cr, and Cd were the most common key pollutants, collectively affecting 6.2 million people.