AI Article Synopsis
- Mercury contamination is a significant health threat in Pakistan, particularly for children, due to exposure from dust particles in arid climates, but comprehensive data on this issue is scarce.
- This study presents the first baseline data on total mercury (THg) levels in dust from 22 sites across various altitudinal zones, finding higher concentrations in agricultural and industrial areas, especially Lahore.
- Results show over 40% of the population in the most affected areas is at risk from mercury exposure, with industrial activities being the primary source; these findings suggest the need for improved environmental management and disease mitigation strategies.
Article Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination of environment is a major threat to human health in developing countries like Pakistan. Human populations, particularly children, are continuously exposed to Hg contamination via dust particles due to the arid and semi-arid climate. However, a country wide Hg contamination data for dust particles is lacking for Pakistan and hence, human populations potentially at risk is largely unknown. We provide the first baseline data for total mercury (THg) contamination into dust particles and its bioaccumulation trends, using scalp human hair samples as biomarker, at 22 sites across five altitudinal zones of Pakistan. The human health risk of THg exposure via dust particles as well as the proportion of human population that are potentially at risk from Hg contamination were calculated. Our results indicated higher concentration of THg in dust particles and its bioaccumulation in the lower Indus-plain agricultural and industrial areas than the other areas of Pakistan. The highest THg contamination of dust particles (3000ppb) and its bioaccumulation (2480ppb) were observed for the Lahore district, while the highest proportion (>40%) of human population was identified to be potentially at risk from Hg contamination from these areas. In general, children were at higher risk of Hg exposure via dust particles than adults. Regression analysis identified the anthropogenic activities, such as industrial and hospital discharges, as the major source of Hg contamination of dust particles. Our results inform environmental management for Hg control and remediation as well as the disease mitigation on potential hotspots.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.06.187 | DOI Listing |
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