Impact of abandoned mine waste on atmospheric respirable particulate matter in the historic mining district of Rio Tinto (Iberian Pyrite Belt).

Authors :: Sánchez de la Campa AM
de la Rosa JD
Fernández-Caliani JC
González-Castanedo Y
Source :: Environmental research [Environ Res] 2011 Nov; Vol. 111 (8), pp. 1018-23. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Jul 28.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: This work documents for the first time the levels and composition of atmospheric particulate matter in the historic mining district of Rio Tinto (Spain) to estimate the contribution and impact of resuspended particles from hazardous mine waste on air quality. The resuspended mine waste dust contributes notably (32%) to the total concentrations of toxic trace metals (Bi, As, Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn and Sb) into the atmosphere, with the consequent impact on public health.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Air Pollutants toxicity
Humans
Inhalation Exposure
Spain
Air Pollutants analysis
Mining

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