A register study of the Danish Population.
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A register study of the Danish Population.
Congenital malformation in male genitalia and occurrence of breast cancer among
users with single water supply systems.
Tina Kold Jensen, Helle Raun Andersen, Esben Budtz-Jørgensen, Halfdan Sckerl, Børge Sommer,
Frants von Platen-Hallermund, Walter Brüsch, René K. Juhler, Miljøprojekt Nr. 1174 2008
In Denmark approximately 70.000 households are supplied with drinking water from private wells
without the same high standard quality control as the households supplied from public water
supplies. In 2004 a random sample of 628 private wells revealed that 2 out of 3 wells exceeded the
threshold value for pesticides, nitrate or bacteria and one in three exceeded the threshold values
for pesticides. Pesticides were found in more than 60% of the private wells, and often more than
one pesticide or degradation products were detected. Some pesticides have in previous studies
been found to have endocrine disrupting abilities and have been related to increased risk of certain
cancer types and congenital malformations in the male reproductive tract. Due to the unique
population registers in Denmark, it is possible to link data on water supply with cancer and
malformations registers. The purpose of this register study was therefore to study the relationship
between water supply and hormone related cancers and malformations in the male reproductive
tract and to validate the quality of these registers.
In this study data from seven population registers were used. The Danish Civil Registration System
keeping a unique personal identification number (CPR number) for all citizens in Denmark and
information about previous and current addresses. The Building and Housing Register (BBR)
provided information about water supply for all addresses. Areal Information System (AIS) provided
CPR numbers for the study population identified as all Danish people living in rural areas. The
geological map from Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) supplied a soil type to
all addresses. The Danish Cancer Registry where information about breast cancer, ovarian cancer
and prostate cancer were provided. The National Patient Registry and the Malformation Register
keeping records of congenital malformations and operations for cryptorchidism and hypospadias
(malformations in the male reproductive tract). In AIS the rural population in Denmark was defined
and their CPR numbers recorded. These were linked to the health registers and CRP numbers of
persons having one of the above defined diseases were identified in the rural population. In the
Danish Civil Registration System the addresses of the rural population were identified and their
water supply and soil type was recorded in respectively BBR and the geological map of GEUS.
In this partially ecologically study among all Danish people living in rural areas, women who were
supplied with water from small private wells more often gave birth to a boy with cryptorchidism
compared to women supplied from a public wells. No increased risk for hypospadias among sons
of women with private water supply compared to public wells was found, but this is a rare
malformation. Women and men who received water from private wells had no increased risk of
respectively ovarian and breast cancer or prostate cancer. Women who lived in areas with clay soil
more often experienced breast or ovarian cancer and gave birth to a boy with cryptorchidism
compared to women living in areas with sandy soil. However, only the findings for breast cancer
were statistically significant.
This study indicates that the population receiving water from private wells may be exposed to
pesticides and metabolites that may affect their health which is in accordance with previous
studies. The exposure to pesticides though drinking water is low compared to the exposure from
the diet, but the types of pesticides found in the drinking water differ from those found in the diet. In
1
addition, many pesticides and metabolites are found in drinking water extracted from surface near
groundwater reservoirs.
This study is register based, and does therefore does not include individually based information
about exposures and possible confounders. It is therefore not possible to draw conclusions about
any causal relationship between drinking water and health. It was for example not possible to take
into account differences in social class and occupation between people with private and public
water supply. In addition, problems with some of the registers were discovered which is discussed
in more details in the report. This study can therefore only suggest a possible relationship between
drinking water supply and health which needs to be confirmed in other studies with more
appropriate designs. Since no firm conclusions can be drawn from this study it may be argued that
it should never have been performed. However, one of the purposes of the study was to
investigate the validity of the registers and discover problems with linkage which was done.
2From diesel soot and woodsmoke to engineered nanoparticles –
Characteristics and health effects
Senior researcher Keld Alstrup Jensen, cand.scient., PhD.
National Research Centre for the Working Environment,
DK-2100 Copenhagen, DENMARK.
kaj@nrcwe.dk
Exposure to airborne particles may cause effects on human health. Epidemiological studies have
shown clear associations between respiratory and cardiovascular effects in the general population
and the urban concentration of particulate matter in the 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 µm (PM10) size-
fractions. However, most of the biological effects are thought to be caused by the 100 nm-size
particles from combustion of fossil fuels. Diesel vehicles generally have the greatest contribution to
urban particulate traffic air-pollution, but in some areas woodsmoke also contributes significantly to
the local air-pollution. In any case, the ultrafine combustion particles only contribute with a few µg
to the air-pollution levels and, it still remains unclear whether it is the complex exposure or specific
compounds that may induce the observed biological effects of urban dust. Fundamental research
is still required to understand the link between the physico-chemical characteristics and properties
of ambient air-pollution and human health. Our research has previously shown that ultrafine
particles in ambient air-pollution comprise a wide range of different soot and inorganic subµm- to
nm-size anthropogenic particles of heavy and transition metals along with several organic
compounds and coarser minerals. In line with other studies, we have observed increased particle-
induced inflammation, DNA-damage and surprising effects on fetus and of-spring.
In contrast to the typical 30 to 75 µg/m3 PM10 levels of dust in urban environments, occupational
exposures may reach several mg/m3 of respirable dust (the complete size-fraction that can be
inhaled to the alveolar region in the lung). Several chemicals and mineral dust-induced
occupational diseases are known. Worldwide, more than 380.000 premature deaths are ascribed
to occupationally-induced respiratory disease, dominated by chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, asthma and lung cancer (coal workers pneumonocosis, silicosis, and asbestosis). Other
serious effects are associated with exposure to e.g., process-related emissions such as welding
fumes and heavy metals, but also to certain powder chemicals. Luckily, most of the traditional
exposures are now under good control, but constant developments require continuous surveillance
and toxicological testing of old as well as new chemicals to ensure a safe working environment.
One of the major new issues is the increasing use of manufactured particulate nanomaterials,
which is a new class of chemically and structurally tailored particles. Nanomaterials are used to
improve or develop new materials or products. Currently there is high concern that the physico-
chemical properties and toxicity of particulate nanomaterials differ from comparable bulk materials.
Our research confirms that handling of nanopowders may result in different characteristics with
much finer and higher levels of dust exposure and the toxicity may be strongly related to the
specific surface area of the particles, but also to their chemical composition, including their
chemical coating, shape, biodurability and chemical reactivity. New mechanims, such as the ability
to penetrate cells and cross tissue barriers, is possible and can result in accumulation in inner
organs and effects on fetus. This currently renders the hazard and exposure potential of these
materials unpredictable and worldwide intense research is currently conducted to quickly create a
bigger picture. In addition doubts have recently arisen on certain toxicological test methods due to
potential artifacts caused by specific preparation protocols and test mediums.Combination of knowledge from both nanosafety and urban air-pollution research is anticipated to enable a unique chance to read-across and possibly realize fundamental relations between particle properties and toxicity in the years to come.
Iodine in Groundwater in Denmark; Implications for Human Health
Denitza Voutchkova1, 2, Søren Munch Kristiansen1, Birgitte Hansen2, Vibeke Ernstsen2, Brian
Sørensen2, Kim Esbensen2
1
Aarhus University, Department of Geoscience
2
Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, GEUS
Increasing awareness of the importance of medical geology in Denmark has resulted in initiation of
a GEO-center project on iodine in the hydrological cycle and human health. The project is running
from 2011-2014, and includes the Ph.D. project of Denitza Voutchkova. The presentation will give
a description of the new project, the on-going research, and preliminary results will be presented.
Aim of the project
The aim of the initiated project is to combine both the medical and the geochemical aspect by
studying the variations in iodine bioavailability in groundwater and to evaluate the human health
effects. The project includes the iodine cycle from precipitation over soil water, groundwater and
finally to tap water.
Medical aspect
Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones, which regulates the metabolic
processes in cells and plays role in the early development of most organs. Low iodine intake,Leaching of pathogens from manure to drainage water a
problem in structured clay
C.S. Jacobsen1,2, T.B. Bech1, A. Forslund2, R. Garcia1,4M. Amin3, J. Baelum1, L.
Fredslund1, J. Kjaer1, , O. Popovic2, T. X. Bui5, D.D. Bang5, S. Pedersen3, L.S. Jensen2, M.
Laegdsmand3, P. Santorum4, A. Dalsgaard2, P. Olsen3, O.S. Jacobsen1, & O.H. Jacobsen3
1) Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Denmark.
2) University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Life Sciences, Denmark.
3) University of Århus, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Denmark
4) Centro de Investigacion y Formacion Agrarias. Consejeria de Ganaderia, Agricultura y Pesca de
Cantabria. Spain.
5) Technical Univerrsity of Denmark
The usual practice of addition of animal manure to soil can provide opportunity for
contamination of soil and drainage waters. In a large multidisciplinary project involving many
institutions the spread of different pathogens in agricultural soils has been assayed. In this
study, we examined different pathogens using different techniques to evaluate the survival of
the organism in soils: Plate/plaque counting, direct quantification of mRNA and DNA-based
qPCR.
In a field experiment strings of manure were added into agricultural soil. During a period of
two months, the sections of soils with different distance to the manure string were assayed to
obtain information on survival and spread of virus (bacteriophage), faecal indicators
(Enterococci, Bacterioides, E. coli) and tetracycline-resistant bacteria. The die-off of the
different organisms was quantified showing an extended survival close to the manure-string.
Genomic DNA from 400 tetracycline-resistant bacteria was isolated and their phylogenetic
relationship was established using 16SrRNA gene sequencing showing that the main
tetracycline-resistant bacterial species is E. coli.
Drainage water from the field was collected weekly from spring 2008. During the samplings in
2008, no tetracycline-resistant bacteria were found, but after manure applications in the
autumn 2009 tetracycline-resistant bacteria were recovered. Again, a suite of different
organisms were quantified, and in the first drainage water sample after manure application we
found approximately 100 tetracycline-resistant cfu ml-1. The total number of tetracycline-
resistant bacteria in the manure was 1x104 cfu ml-1.
In conclusion, the survival and environmental spread of pathogens and indicator organisms
shows that not only the upper soil are impacted by the microorganisms originating from non-
processed manure, but also drainage water in structured soils can contain quite high numbers
of the organisms.
Keywords DNA/mRNA extraction, invA genes; pathogens; public health; water quality; fecal indicatorLead and zinc pollution from mining in Greenland
Gert Asmund
Aarhus Universitet, Institut for Bioscience
Frederiborgsvej 399 4000 Roskilde (tidligere Danmarks Miljøundersøgelser)
gas@dmu.dk
In three cases mining in Greenland has created a significant pollution of the environment with lead
and zinc. When this pollution can reach humans it can become a medical problem.
Here it is shortly described how the elements go from ore to pollution, but no considerations are
made about the medical significance.
Metersvig:
At Mestersvig in East Greenland the lead / zinc ore was mined 10 Km´s from the sea. Ater mining
the ore was treated by flotation. The tailings were disposed on a mountain slope that ended in the
river Tunnelelv. The river transported gradually 90% or more of the tailings to the fiord “Kong
Oscars Fjord” There the rest concentrations of zinc and lead was mobilised and gave rise to high
concentrations of zinc and lead in the biota in the coastal zone.
The concentrated lead and zinc minerals were shipped out the ships in barges. In some cases the
barges turned over and lost all the contained mineral concentrate. This was the major cause for the
measured lead pollution whereas the tailings were the major cause for the zinc pollution.
Ivittuut.
Cryolite mining at Ivittuut in South Greenland resulted in a waste product that contained a small
amount of lead in form of galena. This waste simply consisted of mined stones that were visually
regarded as having too low concentration of cryolite to be shipped to Copenhagen for further
processing. This material was over the years deposited at the shoreline to Arsuk Fjord. When
sufficient amounts of waste rocks were obtained, by hand sorting, it was used to construct a quay.
Unfortunately the tidal water movements caused seawater to periodically enter and leave the void
in the quay material and in this way dissolve the contained lead. The lead that was dissolved in
seawater was absorbed by seaweed and the blue mussels from where it could reach humans that
collect these items, mainly mussels, for consumption.
Maarmorilik.
At Maarmorilik zinc and lead was mined and the two elements extracted by flotation. The tailings
from the flotation still containing some galena and sphalerite were disposed in the nearby fiord.
Waste rock that was produced for creating space in the mine was dumped on a mountain slope
reaching the fiord. Dust from the crushing and processing of the ore was released with ventilation
air and by the wind. All 3 processes resulted in the spreading of lead and zinc in the environment,
in particular the marine environment. The elements dissolved in seawater created, as at Ivittuut
marine pollution. Blue mussels reached lead concentrations far above safe consumption limits.
Also fish were, but to a lesser degree, contaminated by lead, but rarely over safe consumption
limits.
At the latest environmental survey, in 2010, very high concentrations were still found in blue
mussels although the mine had been closed in 20 years at that time, and all the originally polluted
mussels should have died and been replaced by new mussels.
All 3 cases show that lead minerals should not be disposed in the marine environment if one wants
to ovoid medical geology to occur.Level and Temporal Trend of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in
Greenlandic Inuit
M. Long1, R. Bossi 2, E. C. Bonefeld-Jørgensen1
1
Centre of Arctic Environmental Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; 2 National
Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Denmark
Abstract:
Introduction. Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been detected in human blood, breast milk,
and umbilical cord blood from different countries and regions globally. PFAAs do accumulate
in the marine food chain in Arctic regions. In Greenland increasing PFAAs concentrations
have been observed during 1982-2006 in ringed seals and polar bears. However until now no
data have been reported on human levels of PFAAs in Greenlandic Inuit.
Aim. To assess the level and temporal trend of selected PFAAs in the serum of Greenlandic
Inuit.
Methods. Serum PFAA levels of 284 Inuit from different Greenlandic districts were
determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray
ionization. The temporal time trend of serum PFAAs in Nuuk Inuit during 1998-2005 was
studied. The correlation between serum PFAAs and legacy persistent organic pollutants
(POPs) was explored.
Results. Serum PFAA levels were higher in Nuuk Inuit than in non-Nuuk Inuit. Within the
same district higher PFAA levels was observed for males. An age dependent increasing trend
of serum PFAA levels in the period 1998-2005 was observed for Nuuk Inuit. For the pooled
gender data no significant association between PFAAs and legacy POPs was observed for
Nuuk Inuit while for non-Nuuk Inuit this correlation was significant. No correlation between
PFAAs and legacy POPs was found for male Inuit, whereas significant correlation was
observed for pooled female Inuit and non-Nuuk female.
Conclusions. We suggest that sources other than seafood intake might contribute to the
observed higher PFAA levels in Nuuk Inuit compared to the pooled non-Nuuk Inuit.Medical geology saves lives
Tue Kofod
Student at the University of Copenhagen
Medical Geology is a blooming topic with much potential worldwide. It is widely accepted that biota
reflects its environment through Eras of mutations to the survival of the fittest. In medical geology
we study the impact of minerals from its source(s) in soils and rocks (both naturally and
anthropogenically), the pathways of those through water and air; their access to the crops and their
bioavailability in our body; the need of cells, organs, blood etc. to capture different minerals as well
as their health effects of short- and long-term exposures. The result of extreme deficiency or
overdose can cause serious illnesses and even be mortal. Every issue has a source. In Medical
Geology, we try to understand the connection between it all, follow it back to its source and look for
solutions.
My experience with the six weeks medical geology course at the University of Lund was very
positive and of great interest. With several excellent and very dedicated professors, together with
the new Swedish student textbook “Medicinsk Geologi” written by Dr. Olle Selinus (red.), the
course had given me a great baseline and insight in medical geology. The course consisted of
three weeks lectures and three weeks of preparation ending with a four hours written exam. The
lectures covered most of the chapters in the textbook, with only a few positive exceptions. A few
days were dedicated to the students to individual reading of some chapters. Attendance at guest
lectures and laboratory visits was obliged to all students. It is of my impression that Medical
Geology covers a very wide spectrum that goes beyond the knowledge and expertise of a
“traditional” geologist, but at the same time cannot do without. It therefore requires an
establishment of a multidisciplinary network with cooperation between institutes, organizations
which involves many different professions. With that in mind, many students from many different
faculties attended this course; this gave rise to many interesting discussions and in the end it
proved to be very helpful and informal for all parts. This network and cooperation seems to be
working very efficiently in Sweden. More and more countries are joining the International Medical
Geology Association and I am most certain, that Denmark could prove to be a proud member of
this association as well, as I see great potential in this. A course similar to the one in Lund could
easily be established in the University of Copenhagen. Until then I strongly recommend students
from Copenhagen to cross the strait and take the course in Lund, free of charge.Perfluorinated Compounds are related to Breast Cancer Risk in
Greenlandic Inuit:
A Case Control Study.
E. C. Bonefeld-Jorgensen1, M. Long1, R. Bossi2, P. Ayotte3, G. Asmund2, T.Krüger1, M.
Ghisari1, G. Mulvad4, P. Kern4, P. Nzulumiki4, E.Dewailly3.
1
Centre for Arctic Environmental Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; 2National
3
Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Denmark; Institut National de
4
Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada; Dronning Ingrids Hospital, Nuuk
Greenland.
Abstract
Introduction. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer for women in the western
world. From very few cases an extraordinary increase in BC was observed in the Inuit
population of Greenland and Canada although still lower than in western populations.
Previous data suggest that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) might
contribute to the risk of BC. Rat studies showed that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)
cause significantly increase in mammary fibroadenomas. This study aimed at evaluating
the association between serum levels of legacy POPs and PFCs in Greenlandic Inuit BC
cases and their controls, and whether the combined legacy POP related effect on
nuclear hormone receptors affect BC risk.
Methods. Thirty-one BC cases and 115 controls were sampled during 2000-2003 from
various Greenlandic districts. The serum levels of POPs, PFCs, some metals and the
combined effect of the lipophillic serum POPs on estrogen- (ER), androgen- (AR) and
Ah-receptor (AhR) transactivity were determined. Independent student t-test was used to
compare the differences and the odds ratios were estimated by unconditional logistic
regression models.
Results. We observed for the very first time a significant association between PFC
serum levels and the risk of BC. The BC cases also showed a significantly higher
concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls at the highest quartile, a higher frequency of
subject samples with significant POP related hormone-like agonistic ER and AR
transactivity, whereas AhR toxic equivalent was lowest in cases.Conclusions. The level of serum POPs, particularly PFCs, might be risk factors in the development of BC in Inuit. Hormone disruption by the combined serum POP related xenoestrogenic and xenoandrogenic activities may contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer in Inuit. Further investigations are needed to document these study conclusions.
Pesticide intoxications in developing countries
Erik Jørs, Arbejds- og Miljømedicinsk Klinik OUH, Guido Condarco, Fundacion Plagbol Bolivia
Rafael Cervantes, Fundacion Plagbol Bolivia, Omar Huici, Fundacion Plagbol Bolivia, Flemming
Lander, Arbejds- og Miljømedicinsk Klinik Herning, Jesper Bælum, Arbejds- og Miljømedicinsk
Klinik OUH
Background: Pesticide use is increasing rapidly in agriculture and public health programmes in
developing countries. Although only one fifth of the world use of pesticides is used here, more than
90% of pesticide intoxications occur in developing countries. Restricted and even banned
pesticides are easily available and used in developing countries, where control with import and
sale is often lacking. Pesticides are on a third place after mercury and lead on the top ten of the
biggest toxicological problems we are facing worldwide.
Method: Since 2001 we have been collaborating with Bolivia in the Danida financed Plagbol
project. The project started small scale in 2001 in 4 municipalities and now cover whole of Bolivia
with education, information and other preventive activities.
Results: Baseline showed the use of the most toxic pesticides, lack of hygiene and use of
personal protective equipment (PPE) when spraying pesticides with knapsack sprayers, and a
frequent experience of toxic symptoms after spraying. Changes in blood AchE and genotoxic
damage among pesticide users depending on the frequency of spraying, the toxicity of the
pesticides the number of PPE used has been documented, as well as delayed neuropsychological
development in children exposed to pesticides during pregnancy. Females seems to be more
vulnerable than males, as they have less knowledge of pesticide toxicity and handling and
experience more symptoms of intoxication after spraying. Most severe acute intoxications are due
to suicides, especially in younger age groups and among females.
Due to lack in proper handling foods and waters are heavily contaminated with pesticide residues.
Intervention has been able to reduce the use of pesticides among farmers, a safer handling of
pesticides, a better protection and the experience of fever symptoms of intoxication after spraying.
Conclusion: Pesticides does pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Serious
efforts on various levels needs to be undertaken to minimize this worldwide toxicological problem,
as studies in other part of the world shows the same results as in Bolivia. We have started a similar
project in Uganda from 2010, and have started to collaborate with WHO to improve work
environment at a global level in their 2012-17 plan.Radon in Danish Houses, rocks and groundwater
Peter Gravesen, GEUS
Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive noble insoluble gas with a half-life of 3.8 days. It belongs to the
uranium (228U) decay chain where radon is formed from radium (226Ra). Uranium and radium are
built into mineral structures. They can also be adsorbed on the surface of clay minerals, Fe-
minerals or organic material. When radon is formed by radioactive decay from radium the
emanation process sends parts of the produced radon into the pores of rocks and soils and radon
is then transported by diffusive or advective forces in the pores. The transport rate depends on the
permeability and the water content in the pores.
Radon may enter rooms in houses through fractures in the walls driven by forces such as pressure
differences between outdoor and indoor. Radon and its radioactive decay products are inhaled by
people, and the inhalation is the main source of radiation to which people are exposed. The
radiation causes an increased risk of lung cancer and leukemia, of which the latter mainly occur in
children. On the basis of risk analyses it has been evaluated that 10% of all cases of lung cancer in
Denmark are caused by radon inhalation. It has been demonstrated that rocks and soils around
and below houses are the main source of radon emanation.
Several studies have analyzed and described the radon emanation and content in Danish
sediments and rocks (e.g. Gravesen & Jakobsen, 2009). Generally the radon content is low but in
the Precambrian basement rocks and Cambrian Alun shales of Bornholm the content can be fairly
high. Also some Palaeogene clays with high organic content can give high radon values. Most of
the Danish limestones and chalks and Quaternary sediments have a low content of radioactive
components and low radon emanation. Some studies have demonstrated the relationship of the
Danish rocks and sediments to radon levels in Danish buildings (e.g. Andersen et al. 2006). A
nation-wide mapping of radon levels in Danish dwelling houses based on, e.g the mapping of
Quaternary surface deposits and information about radon in sediments and rocks was performed
by Andersen et al. (2001).
Radon content in groundwater is normally very low and only on Bornholm the radon content can be
so high that it is necessary to close water supply wells.
References
Andersen, C.E., Ulbak, K., Damkjær, A. & Gravesen, P. 2001a: Radon i danske boliger. Kortlægning af lands-, amts- og
kommuneværdier. 132 pp. Copenhagen: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Statens Institut for Strålehygiejne.
222
Andersen, C.E., Raaschou-Nielsen, O., Andersen, H.P., Lind, M., Gravesen, P., Thomsen, B. & Ulbak K. 2006: Prediction of Rn in
Danish dwellings using geology and house construction information from central databases. Radiation Protection Dosimetry 27, 10–21.
Gravesen, P. & Jakobsen, P.R., 2010: Radon content in Danish till deposits: relationship with redox conditions and age. Bull. Geol.
Surv. Denmark and Greenland 20, 39-42.
1Reducing mercury pollution in small scale gold mining
Rasmus Køster-Rasmussen, Jane Frølund Thomsen, Tilde Müller, Maria Westergaard, Marie
Brasholt, Erik Jørs & Peter W. U. Appel.
Background: Mercury is a well-known neurotoxin. In developing countries mercury is increasingly
used among small scale gold miners (SSMs). Peter Appel et al documented that SSMs in the
Philippines use whole ore amalgamation, a technique where 20-40 grams of mercury is consumed
to produce one gram of gold, equivalent to 1 ton of mercury every year from each small Philippine
mining village. A disaster of historical dimensions may arise if this development continues. SSMs
from the Benguet region in the Philippines have been using a non-toxic mercury free method for
gold extraction the last 15 years: the borax-method.
Objective: to introduce the borax-method and eliminate the use of mercury in three gold mining
areas by technical training of SSMs, to raise awareness about mercury toxicity in civil society and
among health care professionals.
The project: The project is carried out by the NGO Diálogos in corporation with GEUS (National
Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland), the International Committee of Occupational
Environmental and Public Health, Department of International Health (ISIM) University of
Copenhagen, the Manila based NGO Ban toxics! and the Benguet Federation of Small Scale
Miners. The tree year project started March 2011 and is funded by DANIDA‟s project advice and
training centre.
Material & methods: There are approximately 2000 SSMs associated to the three mining
communities in Kalinga and Camarines Norte. A baseline survey took place late 2011. Two
hundred and fifty SSMs were individually interviewed with a structured questionnaire regarding
their use of mercury, knowledge, attitude and practice. Possible symptoms of mercury intoxication
were elicited. Sixty health-care professionals and 60 representatives from civil society were
interviewed about awareness and knowledge of mercury toxicity. The interventions planned and
currently taking place are 1) „miner-to-miner‟ hands-on-training where SSMs from Benguet teach
local SSMs the borax-method, 2) distribution of educational material and production of an
educational film entitled: “Gold extraction with BORAX for small-scale miners - Rather Rich &
Healthy than Poor & Poisoned”, and 3) education of health care professionals, school children and
civil society about mercury use in mining, toxicity and the borax-method.
The „miner-to-miner‟ training sessions are set up as a competition between local and Benguet
miners. The yield of gold and the use of mercury in all training sessions are monitored by the
Bantox staff.
The follow-up study is planned for 2013.
Results: Preliminary results are very promising. During the first „miner to miner‟ training sessions
in Kalinga the borax-method has yielded 3.2 g gold of 15.9 karat in 3 hours where as the traditional
method with mercury yielded 1.2 g gold of 14.3 karat in 7 hours using the same amount (3 loads)
of randomly picked grinded ore. The local influential SSMs organization Banao Bodong has taken
steps towards completely prohibiting mercury in their area.
Perspective: During the three year project a concept for „changing to mercury-free methods‟ is
developed. This concept will be easily accessible in a free white book containing training materials,the film on DVD, questionnaires for baseline survey and monitoring, and an implementation strategy. This concept may be used in the remaining gold mining areas in the Philippines and around the world.
Research of the mineralogical group at the Natural History Museum of
Denmark related to biomineralogy and medical mineralogy
Tonči Balić-Žunić, Anna Katerinopoulou, Helene Almind
Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen
The CRYMI* Task Force of Geocenter Copenhagen and University of Copenhagen which is now
situated at the Natural History Museum has through its life been involved in several research
projects covering various aspects of the interplay between minerals and the living matter. Our
expertise in this field is concentrated around the use of X-ray Diffraction methods for which we
have a superbly furnished laboratory with many users besides members of our group.
The main types of analyses we perform are as follows:
1. The identification of solid phases. Various amounts and types of materials can be handled,
either powders in amounts down to 1 mm3 or single grains with diameters from 0.2 to 2-3
mm. The ease and accuracy of the method are illustrated by our work on the analysis of the
calcium pyrophosphate crystallization related to the pseudo gout disease in collaboration
with the researchers from PANUM Institute, University of Copenhagen [1][2][3][4].
2. The analysis of the structural characteristics of crystalline phases. We perform the
determination of the global crystal structure which gives the ultimate basis for the chemical
and physical properties of the material. This is illustrated by the first full characterization of
the structure of beta-calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate modification from the
aforementioned study [5] and the determination of the structure of the green rust which can
be used for the remediation of heavy-metal polluted soils [6]. Also the other structural
characteristics of materials can be treated by the method, like the determination of average
shape and size of nanosized crystals in polycrystalline samples for which we have
developed our own method [7].
3. Quantitative phase analysis. It is illustrated by the application in the estimation of the
pollution from the acid main tailings in Arctic climate [8][9] and by the on-going project in
which we monitor the concentration of the carcinogen mineral erionite in the soils and
volcanic rocks in the region of Anatolia known for abnormally high incidence of
Mesothelioma.
[1] Christoffersen, Seierby, Balić Žunić, Christoffersen (1999), J. Cryst. Growth, 203, 234. [2]
Christoffersen, Balić-Žunić, Pehrson, Christoffersen. (2000), J. Cryst. Growth, 212, 500. [3]
Christoffersen, Balić-Žunić, Pehrson, Christoffersen (2001), Crystal Growth & Design, Vol. 1, No. 6,
463. [4] Christoffersen, Balic-Zunic, Christoffersen (2002) Crystal Growth & Design, Vol. 2, No. 6,
567. [5] Balić-Žunić, Christoffersen, Christoffersen (2000), Acta Cryst., B56, 953. [6] Christiansen,
Balic-Zunic, Petit, Frandsen, Mørup, Geckeis, Katerinopoulou, Svane Stipp (2009), Geochimica et
Cosmochimica Acta, 73, 3579. [7] Katerinopolpou, Balic-Zunic, Lundegaard (2012) J.Appl.Cryst.,
42, 22. [8] Elberling, Balić-Žunić, Edsberg (2003), Environmental Geology, 43, 806. [9]Balic-Zunic,
Katerinopoulou, Edsberg (2011), Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie Abhandlungen, 188/1, 31.
*Crystallography and MineralogySmall-scale gold mining is the second largest contributor to the global
mercury pollution – how can we mitigate that?
Peter W. U. Appel. Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.
pa@geus.dk
The main contributor to the global mercury pollution is burning of coal. Although coal only contain
very small quantities of mercury the drastic increase of burning coal in power plants and for
household use has caused a drastic increase on mercury release to the atmosphere. The
estimated release of mercury to the atmosphere amounts to a couple of thousands tonne.
Small-scale gold mining in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia releases huge amounts of
mercury to the atmosphere. A recent estimate from the Philippines indicates a yearly release there
is a in the order of 500 tons of mercury to the atmosphere (Appel et al., 2011). Figures from
Indonesia are in the same order of magnitude. The global release of mercury from small-scale gold
mining exceeds 1000 tons per year.
First step to stop the release of mercury from ssm is to teach the miners to use mercury free gold
extraction methods. Borax has been used by a group of ~15.000 ssm in Northern Philippines for
more than 30 years. This method is gradually being implemented in other parts of the Philippines
as well as in Indonesia and Tanzania. Borax is environmentally benign and by using borax instead
of mercury the miners will be able to extract more gold.
Second step is to clean the numerous tailings from ssm littering the Philippines and other
countries. Recently a method has been tested on a laboratory scale plant of extracting mercury
from tailings from ssm. The method works and Asian development bank and/or World Bank will be
approached in order to get funding for up-scaling the plant (Appel et al. 2011).
Appel, P. W. U., Na-Oy, L., Hatsukawa, Y., Osawa, T., Kystol, J. & Sørensen, L. L. 2011: Cleaning
mercury polluted mine tailings in the Philippines. Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland
Report. 2011/127, 39 pp.Studies at Lund University of human exposure to and effects of
metals
Staffan Skerfving, MD, PhD
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory
Medicine, University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
(Staffan.Skerfving@med.lu.,se)
Toxic metals have been a main interest of the department since the 1950s. During
2006-2011, we coordinated a very large European Union project (Public Health
Impact of long-term, low-level Mixed elements Exposure in susceptible population
strata=PHIME).
The exposure to metals in the population has been systematically followed by
analysis of blood 1978-2011. Then, the exposure to lead has descreased
dramatically, mercury significantly, but cadmium not at all.
In spite of the low lead exposure in an international perspective, there are now
indications that the exposure in Swedish children affects their cognitive function
(school performance and IQ) as teenagers.
Women is the high-risk group for cadmium exposure. The ametal accumulates during
life. We have shown that Swedish elderly women have biochemical signs of kidney
effects. Also, they dipllay a cadmium-associated edcrease of bone-mineral density.
Our co-workers have shown a risk of osteoporotic fractures.
One major interest is genetic impact on the toxicokinetis and toxicodynamics of
metals. Such may explain thed large variations in vulnerability at the same exposure.
We have shown that there are genetic interaction with the toxicity of lead, mercury,
cadmium and arsenic.Sulphides as a source for nickel and arsenic in drinking water
Christian Knudsen, GEUS
Surveillance of the Danish ground water resources, carried out by the Geological Survey of
Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), has revealed that the ground water often contains elevated
amounts of nickel (> 20 ppb) in the eastern part of Zealand, south of Copenhagen. The high nickel
values coincide with areas where abstraction of drinking-water has lowered the groundwater table
into the limestone reservoir rocks and oxygen has been introduced into the limestone reservoir.
Drill-core from Danian limestone and Maastrichtian chalk south of Copenhagen were examined
and four pyrite varieties, euhedral, replacing, concretions and framboidal pyrite were found in the
limestone together with other sulphides such as bravoite, millerite and sphalerite. Microprobe
analyses of Ni, Co, Zn, Cu and As show that the contents are high in the framboidal variety and
low in the other varieties. The framboidal pyrite variety is believed to have crystallised shortly after
the deposition of the limestone. During early diagenetic alteration of the chalk probably tied to
sediment starvation and “hardground” formation, framboidal pyrite was dissolved and redeposited
as euhedral, pure pyrite (FeS2), bravoite ((Ni,Co)S2), millerite (NiS) and sphalerite (ZnS) along at
least three horizons (sequence boundaries). The sulphides bravoite, millerite and pyrite are likely
to be the primary source for the nickel found in the groundwater in the area. The nickel was initially
mobilised when oxygen was introduced into the limestone due to lowering of the water table by
abstraction of drinking water.
Figure 1
Sulphide-rich concretion in chalk:
Pyrite (yellow, FeS2)
Bravoite (orange, (Ni,Co)S2)
Sphalerite (red, ZnS)
Chalk (light blue)
Pores (dark blue)
The pyrite has replaced silica spicules
(hollow ellipsoids) and bryozoans.
SEM Backscatter image
As is the case with nickel, there is an uneven distribution of arsenic in drinking water in Denmark
with higher abundances in eastern Jylland, Fyn and Sjælland where the Tertiary clay rich
formations subcrop the glacial deposits. Microprobe analysis of a sulphides from fine-grained
Tertiary sediments has shown that these sulphides often contain high levels of arsenic and may
constitute an important reservoir of arsenic that can be released when oxygen is introduced into the
reservoirThe atmospheric surface exchange of mercury
Henrik Skov1,2
1
Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark
2
Adjunct professor, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology,
University of Southern Denmark
HSK@DMU.DK
Mercury is a heavy metal that is toxic in all its forms. Most mercury released to the
environment enters the atmosphere in the form of elemental mercury (Hg0). In the
atmosphere it has a sufficient long lifetime to be found ubiquitous and thus it is also found
in the Arctic atmosphere. Elemental mercury is slowly oxidized in the atmosphere to much
more short lived mercury species, which can be removed by rain out (wet deposition) or
dry deposition. Thereafter mercury may be taken up in the food web by bacteria in the
marine environment and then followed by bio-accumulation. In the Arctic special conditions
occurs every spring that enhance the oxidation of Hg0 in the atmosphere, which leads to
increased deposition of mercury. Thus this increased deposition together with
bioaccumulation might lead to higher levels of mercury in the sea mammals located high in
the food web than is expected in such a pristine environment and making these animals
less attractive as human food resource, see Figure 1.
In the presentation the state of art of the fate of atmospheric mercury is shown and
discussed with special attention to the determinations of deposition of atmospheric
mercury to Arctic.
Figure 1 The mercury cycle in the ArcticYou can also read
