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Medical geochemistry research in Spišsko-Gemerské rudohorie Mts., Slovakia

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Abstract

This study presents an assessment of the potential impact of geological contamination of the environment on the health of the population in Spišsko-Gemerské rudohorie Mts. (SGR Mts.). The concentration levels of potentially toxic elements (mainly As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, and Zn) were determined in soils, groundwater, surface water, and stream sediments as well as in the food chain (locally grown vegetables). A medical study included some 30 health indicators for all 98 municipalities of the study area. The As and Sb contents in human fluids and tissues were analyzed in one municipality identified to be at the highest risk. Based on element content, environmental and health risks were calculated for respective municipalities. Out of 98 municipalities 14 were characterized with extremely high environmental risk and 10 were characterized with very high carcinogenic risk from arsenic (groundwater). Extensive statistical analysis of geochemical data (element contents in soils, groundwater, surface water, and stream sediments) and health indicators was performed. Significant correlations between element contents in the geological environment and health indicators, mainly cancer and cardiovascular diseases, were identified. Biological monitoring has confirmed the transfer of elements from the geological environment to human fluids and tissues as well as to the local food chain.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully thank to mayoress of Zlatá Idka municipality, Mrs. D. Jacková, and the 121 residents who took part in the research. The Ministry of the Environment of Slovak Republic and State Health Institute, Košice provided financial support for this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geological Survey of Slovak Republic, Mlynská dolina 1, 817 04, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

    S. Rapant & V. Cvečková

  2. State Health Institute, Ipeľská č. 1, 042 20, Kosice, Slovak Republic

    Z. Dietzová

  3. Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

    M. Khun

  4. Environment, a.s, Dlhá 8, 949 01, Nitra, Slovak Republic

    M. Letkovičová

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  1. S. Rapant
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  2. V. Cvečková
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  3. Z. Dietzová
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  4. M. Khun
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  5. M. Letkovičová
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Correspondence to S. Rapant.

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Rapant, S., Cvečková, V., Dietzová, Z. et al. Medical geochemistry research in Spišsko-Gemerské rudohorie Mts., Slovakia. Environ Geochem Health 31, 11–25 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-008-9152-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-008-9152-2

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