Public Health and Metal Mining Pollution: A GIS Study in the Republic of Armenia

Abstract

This research filled a critical gap in the literature by measuring the effect of toxic contaminants from metal mining activities on public health in Armenia. Soil polluted by toxic chemicals in mining areas is a widespread and significant problem in Armenia and many developing countries. In the absence of control or restoration measures, humans and animals may be exposed and have unfettered access to a contaminated site. A localized disturbance to the ground can cause increased dispersion and exposure of broader populations to the contaminants through wind or water pathways.

This study implemented proximity analysis and downstream trace analysis with GIS technology to spatially quantify the effect of the concentration and spread of those pollutants on health. A unique geospatial database was created based on contamination data from Pure Earth and health data from Demographic Health Surveys. The presence and concentration of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury, and proximity to nearby communities, were used to measure the impact of contamination. Incidence of miscarriages, stillbirths, anemia, and low birth weight were used as measures of public health burdens, contrasted for populations living proximal and distal to metal mines.

Higher levels of contaminants and living in proximity to metal mines were positively associated with poorer health outcomes. Incidences of fetal mortality and anemia in areas within 10 km of a contaminated site were associated with elevated levels of arsenic and chromium. Arsenic, chromium, and lead were also negatively associated with birth weight, suggesting potential health risks to mothers due to proximity to a metal mine.

The results of individual chemicals were mixed, with mercury having no significant association with any of the health outcomes and lead only being statistically associated with lower birth weight. On the other hand, the hazard index of five chemicals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury) was positively associated with the incidence of fetal mortality and anemia and was negatively associated with birth weight, indicating poorer health for people living within 10 km of contaminated sites.

In addition, living within 50 km of any metal mine was associated with elevated incidence of miscarriages and stillbirths. The magnitude of this association was substantial: there was a 20% higher incidence of miscarriages and stillbirths in areas within 50 km from any metal mine.

This study highlighted how contamination created from underregulated mining practices can affect the public health of populations living in nearby areas. These findings may be relevant not only for Armenia but other countries with similar economies and geography.