How the population in Mount Isa is living with lead exposure from mining activities. Issue 1 (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Jiajia; Noller, Barry; Huynh, Trang; Ng, Jack; Taga, Raijeli; Diacomanolis, Violet; Harris, Hugh
• Is Part Of: Extractive industries and society. Volume 8:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Health -- Mining -- Exposure -- Dust -- Bioavailability; Mineral industries -- Periodicals; Gas industry -- Periodicals; Petroleum industry and trade -- Periodicals; 338.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2020.11.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-790X

Abstract

Highlights: Lead dispersion via dust from mining activities to the city is a key health issue. The study applied health risk assessment to define pathways of exposure at Mount Isa. Lead exposure routes at Mount Isa are inhalation <5% and ingestion including dust, food, and water >95%. Regular wiping of floor and surfaces in houses is encouraged to minimise lead ingestion by children. Abstract: Lead has been mined at Mount Isa, Queensland since the 1930s. The city of Mount Isa is located from 0.5 to 2 km to the east of the mine lease and is divided by the Leichhardt River. A key health issue has been lead dispersion via dust from mining activities to the city and soil containing high lead concentrations from naturally occurring mineralisation. The Lead Pathway Air Study conducted 2007–2012 has provided an understanding of sources of lead with human exposure at Mount Isa from mining. Potential exposure routes of the lead entering the human body are via ingestion through the mouth to the digestive system and inhalation through the mouth and nose into the lungs; absorption through the skin is insignificant. The particle size of dust in the environment and chemical form are critical factors. Thus, inhalation is shown to be <5% of the total exposure for people living in Mount Isa, while ingestion, including dust, food, and water, is >95%. The ongoing program in Mount Isa encourages residents to wipe all surfaces that children may be exposed to in contact with, thus minimising exposure via the ingestion pathway.