Blood markers among residents from a coal mining area

Frequencies of micronuclei in buccal cells and their spatial distribution in a population living in proximity to coal mining areas in southern Brazil

The extraction and burning of coal release genotoxic pollutants, and understanding the relationship between genetic damage and the spatial distribution of residences in coal-using regions is crucial. The study aimed to conduct a spatial analysis of genotoxic damage through the of micronuclei (MNs) number and their proximity to coal mining/burning in the largest coal exploration region in Brazil. In this study, the detection of genotoxic damage was performed using the MN assay in oral cells of residents exposed to coal mining activities. Spatial analysis was conducted using QGIS 3.28.10 based on information obtained from a questionnaire administered to the population. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to assess the influence of the distance from residential areas to polluting sources on the number of MNs found. Additionally, Spearman's correlation was performed to identify the strength and direction of the association between the frequency of MNs and each of the polluting sources. A total of 147 MNs were quantified among all participants in the coal mining region. Notably, residents living within 2 km and 10 km of pollution sources exhibited the highest prevalence of MNs. The analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between closer proximity to pollution sources and increased MN frequency, underscoring the spatial relationship between these sources and genotoxic damage. Environmental pollutants from anthropogenic sources present a major health risk, potentially leading to irreversible damage. The spatial analysis in this study highlights the importance of targeted public policies. These policies should aim for a sustainable balance between economic development and public health, promoting effective measures to mitigate environmental impacts and protect community health.

Human health risk assessment of air pollutants in the largest coal mining area in Brazil

The Candiota region, located in the extreme south of Brazil, has the largest mineral coal deposit in the country, and this activity is capable of releasing pollutants in which they are associated with the contamination of different matrices (soil, water, and air). The present study aimed to carry out a risk assessment to human health of atmospheric pollutants NO₂ and SO₂ and PM₁₀-bound metal(loid)s in the municipality of Candiota, in addition to evaluating the correlation of meteorological parameters for the dynamics and potential risk of these pollutants. Pollutants were sampled from stations located almost 4 km from coal exploration activities, and the trace elements As, Cd, Se, Pb, and Ni, in addition to NO₂ and SO₂, were evaluated. Risk assessment was conducted taking into account the risk to adults via the inhalation route. During the sampling period, all pollutants presented values lower than national legislation or internationally accepted values, and Pb was the element that presented the highest values throughout the sampled period. The risk assessment showed no carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, even when considering the sum of the risk of all analyzed pollutants. It can be observed that the highest levels of Pb, As, and Se occurred in the winter season, while the levels of Ni and Cd were higher in the spring, and the meteorological parameters were correlated with the pollutants, even using a temporal lag of 5 days. Although the air pollutants evaluated did not present a risk to human health, continuous monitoring of regions with strong mineral exploration activity must be carried out with a view to maintaining the well-being of exposed populations, mainly because there are people living in areas closer to sources of coal pollution than distance to air quality monitoring stations.

Emissions monitoring and carcinogenic risk assessment of PM10-bounded PAHs in the air from Candiota's coal activity area, Brazil

The city of Candiota contains a great amount of coal resources. Coal activities, including coal combustion, are major releasers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAHs are considered priority air pollutants regarding their large carcinogenic potential. So, the carcinogenic risk assessment of populations living near areas with PAH sources is mandatory. This study aimed to evaluate the carcinogenic health risk of the PAH inhalation exposure of individuals living in Candiota City. A total of 158 individuals were enrolled in the study. Monitoring of PAH and meteorological parameters were carried out, and the health risk assessment was determined through the benzo(a)pyrene equivalent toxic equivalent quotient (BaP-TEQ) and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) estimation. The coal activity area of Candiota demonstrated an annual PAH concentration of 27.7 ng/m³, PM10 concentration of 26.3 µg/m³, SO₂ concentration of 9.5 µg/m³, a BaP-TEQ value of 0.3 ng/m³, and a daily inhalation of 62.4 ng/day. The comparison among seasons showed no difference in PAH concentration and BaP-TEQ. It was observed ILCR values of 2.8 × 10^-6 and 2.6 × 10^-6 for estimation based on reference and real values, respectively, and these levels were above the reference limit of 10^-6, indicating cancer risk. Therefore, an epidemiological survey of cancer cases in the region and its relationship with environmental exposure and air pollutants levels must be required.

Multiple exposure pathways and health risk assessment of potentially harmful elements for children and adults living in a coal region in Brazil

Energy generated by coal can contaminate the environment by releasing toxic elements, including metals. The human health risk assessment (HHRA) associated with geographic information system (GIS) tools can assist the management of contaminated areas, such as coal mining areas. The objective of the study was to carry out the assessment and spatialization of the risk to human health of potentially hazards elements (PHEs) in the soil for children and adults, from multiple exposure routes (oral, inhalation and dermal) in the Candiota mines, largest coal mining region of Brazil. The non-carcinogenic risks (HQ) of PHEs (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cd, As and Se) and carcinogenic risks of As were estimated and spatialized. The results revealed a risk for children exposure to Mn, with greatest contribution through dermal route. Mn (HQ_derm 72.41-96.09% and HQ_inh 40.84-82.52%) and Fe (HQ_o 43.90-81.44%) were the metals with greatest contribution to human health risk among studied population. As did not present carinogenic risk to adults. The spatial distribution of non-carcinogenic risk showed that Cr, As, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu have higher HInc close to the coal mining areas, while Mn, Se and Cd have the highest HInc values in surrounding municipalities (Pinheiro Machado; Pedras Altas and Hulha Negra). The use of HHRA associated with GIS tools provides important elements for decision-making in the management of contaminated sites, indicating chemical elements, locations, routes of exposure and priority target populations.

Urinary Pb levels in schoolchildren from the largest coal mining area in Brazil and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Candiota region has the largest coal reserve in Brazil, and previous studies have shown moderate-high levels of metals in the environment, including Pb. On the other hand, there are no studies investigating the factors associated with high levels of urinary Pb in children in the region. To investigate this issue, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 92 schoolchildren from 7 cities comprising this coal-mining region. Socioeconomic and demographic information and parental life habits and children's health information were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Diurnal urine samples were collected to quantify Pb levels (µg/g creatinine). Bi- and multivariate Poisson regression with a robust estimator was used to assess factors associated with high levels of Pb. Urinary Pb levels in children in the region vary from not detected to 21.6 µg/g of creatinine. The spatial distribution of urinary Pb levels in children indicated an influence of proximity to mining areas, and this factor was confirmed by Poisson regression analysis (bivariate). Other factors associated with high levels of urinary Pb were non-white mothers, paternal occupational exposure, and low BMI. The findings of this study reveal that the Candiota region is a hotspot for high levels of urinary Pb in children (geometric mean: 3.82 µg/g creatinine) and that, in addition to the proximity to mining areas, factors socioeconomic and health conditions may be associated with these high levels.

Gestational and Neonatal Outcomes in Cities in the Largest Coal Mining Region in Brazil

Brazil has one of the largest mineral coal reserves in the world. More than 40% of this ore is in the Candiota Mine, in the extreme south of Brazil, which was previously identified as a hotspot of environmental pollution. In addition, an important part of Brazil's population suffers from socioeconomic vulnerability. Since there is no information on unfavorable gestational and neonatal outcomes associated with these problems, we conducted a cross-sectional study with 1950 mother-child binomials, aiming to evaluate the association between these outcomes and air pollution as well as socioeconomic, demographic and health variables in seven cities in the region. Of the total births, 11.6% were preterm and 9.5% of neonates had low birth weight (<2500 g). These conditions were also associated with skin color, previous abortions, birth type and prenatal care, as well as exposure to higher levels of coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀) during the first trimester of pregnancy. Regarding air pollutants, although the daily limits for PM₁₀ were exceeded on less than 5% of days, the annual average overtook the values proposed by WHO. Thus, we concluded that prematurity and low birth weight in this region are related to air pollution, and to socioeconomic variables and health care.

Lung function among residents from the largest coal region in Brazil

Coal mining and burning activities in coal-fired power plants are among the most polluting activities in developing countries. In Brazil, the Candiota coal deposit concentrates 40% of the national mineral coal. Although, previous studies indicate several negative health outcomes to residents of this coal region, there is no information about lung function. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate lung function by spirometry among residents from the largest coal mining region of Brazil and its related factors. It was carried out a cross-sectional study with 300 male adults residing in four cities from this region. Socioeconomic, demographic, life style, and health conditions were collected through a structured questionnaire, and lung function was assessed by spirometry. Almost 18% of the residents have disorders in pulmonary function. There was significant statistical difference in the spirometry main parameters between the cities. Candiota city (host city of coal exploration activities) have the highest prevalence of obstructive ventilatory disorder. Curiously, upper economic class had significant higher risk of altered lung function (P<0.001), as well as inappropriate sewage destination (P<0.001). Residents of Candiota city had 20% higher risk of altered lung function. Regarding air quality, the PM₁₀, SO₂, and NO₂ of the region were 20.6± 3.9, 7.0± 2.2, and 6.0± 1.6, respectively. Two air quality stations exceed the limit of 20 μg/m³ to PM₁₀ proposed by Brazilian legislation and WHO, and three stations had PM₁₀ quite close to the limit. This study points out the need for urgent action to protect residents from this coal mining region.

Health impact assessment of air pollution in an area of the largest coal mine in Brazil

Coal exploration and burning activities are among the activities with the greatest potential to cause atmospheric pollution due to the combustion process of this mineral and the consequent release of particles that, in significant quantities, can pose a potential health risk, mainly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The Candiota region, in the extreme south of Brazil, concentrates 40% of the national reserves of mineral coal, and its burning is capable of releasing air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM). Some environmental and epidemiological studies have been carried out in the region, but so far, there is no investigation to estimate the impact of PM on health outcomes. The current study aimed to estimate the mortality attributed to the PM, as well as the benefits in health indicators associated with the reduction of air pollution to the limits set forth in local legislation and the WHO. Daily data on PM levels collected from an air quality monitoring station over a year were used, as well as population data and health indicators from 7 cities influenced by mining activities, such as total mortality and cardiovascular diseases and hospitalizations for cardiac and respiratory problems. In a scenario where PM levels are within legal limits, a percentage greater than 11% of cardiovascular deaths was attributed to pollution by PM2.5, and the reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 levels may be responsible for the increase in the expectation of life in up to 17 months and monetary gains of more than $ 24 million, due to the reduction in hospitalizations and mortality. Studies of this nature should be important tools made available to decision-makers, with a view to improving environmental laws and a consequent improvement in the quality of life and health indicators of the population.

Human health risk assessment of metals and anions in surface water from a mineral coal region in Brazil

Coal mining releases high concentration elements to the environment, which can be deposited in surface water, causing several human health problems. Candiota mine in the south of Brazil is the largest coal reserves in the country, representing approximately 40% of total national coal reserves. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the chronic daily dose and the non-carcinogenic risk index for metals and anions in surface waters of Candiota Region, using the USEPA protocols for Human Health Risk Assessment. A total of eight water samples were collected over a distance of up to 15 km from the emission sources of the thermal power generation companies, then the Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and sum of Hazard Index (ΣHI) were calculated. All the elements and anions evaluated showed natural concentrations for continental fresh waters according to Brazilian legislation, except Pb. Individually, none of the metals Pb, As, Cd, Ni, and Se or anions F^- and NO₃^- showed an HI value greater than 1. However, the sum of HI (ΣHI) (five metals and two anions) by sample point showed values close to 1, for one of the eight points analyzed. Pb and Fe were the elements that most contribute to the risk values in the sample points of the study area. Although, there is no human health risk in this scenario, this investigation highlight priority elements to future investigations in coal mine areas. In the current region, Pb and F^- as priority elements for future studies.

Maternal, neonatal and socio-economic factors associated with intellectual development among children from a coal mining region in Brazil

Coal is the most aggressive energy sources in the environment. Several adverse outcomes on children's health exposure to coal pollutants have been reported. Pollutants from coal power plants adversely affect the intellectual development and capacity. The present study aimed to evaluate the intellectual development and associated factors among children living a city under the direct influence (DI) and six neighboring municipalities under the indirect influence (II) of coal mining activity in the largest coal reserve of Brazil. A structured questionnaire was completed by the child's guardian, and Raven's Progressive Color Matrices were administered to each child to assess intellectual development. A total of 778 children participated. In general, no significant difference was observed between the two cities. The DI city had better socioeconomic conditions than the II municipalities according to family income (< 0.001). The prevalence of children who were intellectually below average or with intellectual disabilities was 22.9%, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between municipalities. In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, intellectual development was associated with maternal age, marital situation and maternal education level, birth weight, breast feeding, frequent children's daycare, paternal participation in children's care and child growth. Living in the DI area was not associated with intellectual disability. The results suggest that socioeconomic conditions and maternal and neonatal outcomes are more important than environmental factors for intellectual development of children living in a coal mining area.