Investigation on liver function among population in high background of rare earth area in South China.

The health effects of long-term ingestion of rare earth elements (REEs) on the villagers living in high-REE-background areas in South Jangxi Province, China were studied. Major health complaints from the REE area population included indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal distension, anorexia, weakness, and fatigue, especially after high-fat or high-protein intake. Liver function tests were conducted for adult villagers.