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More than 300 children in northern China have been diagnosed with lead poisoning, which may be linked to a lead and zinc smelter in the Changquing industrial park in Fengxiang county. The children were found to have up to twice the safe level of lead in their blood, according to China Daily. 

A child who ingests large amounts of lead may develop anemia, muscle weakness and brain damage. Where poisoning occurs, it is usually gradual. The children seemed to sleep more than usual, cannot concentrate and have slowed reaction times.

Washington Post article: “Lead poisoning hits 300 children near China factory“.

NPI fact sheets: Lead and compounds

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Electric and electronic waste, including computers, monitors, keyboards, mobile phones and games consoles, are an increasing problem, in many parts of the world. This article, “Where computers go to die — and kill” describes the situation in a province of south-eastern China, where tonnes of toxic waste continue to be dumped, threatening the health of workers and residents. There is another article here: “Poison PC’s“. Find out what pollutants are contained in e-waste. How are these pollutants transported through the environment and how persistent are they? What are some of the human and environmental health effects of these chemicals? How can this type of contamination be minimised or prevented?

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What is the difference between bioaccumulation and biomagnification? Read an interesting article from the Scientific American – “Bald eagles succumb to poisin in rat eradication on Alaskan island” . Is this an example of bioaccumulation or biomagnification?

Local examples of bioaccumulation from the Australian government department of environment, water, heritage and the arts – uranium in freshwater mussles and fish in the Northern Territory. Bioaccumulation of copper and tungsten in northern Queensland. What types of toxins are most likely to bioaccumulate and biomagnify?

“Almost all mercury compounds are toxic and can be dangerous at very low levels in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Because mercury is a persistent substance, it can build up, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms, inflicting increasing levels of harm on higher order species such as predatory fish and fish eating birds and mammals through a process known as “biomagnification”. Although the long-term effects of mercury on whole ecosystems are unclear, the survival of some affected populations and overall biodiversity are at risk.” from Mercury and the Environment. Another resource about mercury in our environment here: “Methylmercury Contamination in Fish and Shellfish.” Health effects of mercury here: “Mercury in the body and health effects“.

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After the worst floods in decades and the serious threat of a major cyclone, Queensland has been struck with an unprecedented environmental disaster. A cargo ship, which lost containers during the cyclone, had it’s hull damaged by the containers and a significant quantity of diesel fuel (about 1,000 tonnes of oil) leaked from the ship. Moreton Island has been most severely affected, with oil washing ashore over 50 km of beach.

Martin Taylor from WWF said everything from fish and crabs to waterbirds, dugongs and dolphins, would feel the effects – in fact, every level of the food chain.

Nine MSN report here: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/770634/oil-spill-clean-up-begins-in-qld

The Age Video here: http://media.theage.com.au/national/national-news/queenslands-oil-spill-clean-up-416195.html

Cosmos magazine article here: http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/2619/birds-and-turtles-risk-queensland-oil-spill

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U.S. researchers have reported that dust from the moon is toxic – the fine particles are electrostatic, chemically active and sharp-edged. Lunar astronauts reported irritation and discomfort from exposure to dust, with symptoms ranging from sneezing, watery eyes and a peculiar smell resembling gunpowder, says NASA flight surgeon Jeff Jones. A flight surgeon, who was also exposed to the dust, reported an allergic reaction – irritation, sneezing, irritated mucus membranes in the eyes and nose.

This may not seem relevant (unless you are planning a trip to the moon any time soon), but you may also be exposed to the dangers of fine particulates in environments on earth. For example, mining sites, bushfire zones, factories and industrial sites may require protective clothing and breathing apparatus to be worn to prevent exposure to dust and/or toxic gases. Fine particles, known as PM₁₀ (particular matter smaller than 10 um in diameter), can impact on people’s health especially those that have existing respiratory or heart disease. Children and the elderly may also be more vulnerable to the effects of particles.

Mesothelioma refers to a rare form of cancer of the mesothelium, caused by exposure to asbestos – usually by inhaling or ingesting the fine particles and fibres which become lodged in the lungs. Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used due to its fire resistant and insulating properties, but is no longer mined, milled or manufactured in Australia because of the health risks. All uses in new products are now banned in Australia and no asbestos products may be imported. Strict precautions also govern the removal and disposal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
EPA – Air quality, Airwatch program.