Possible Health Effects of Living in Proximity to Mining Sites Near Potosí, Bolivia

Living near mining sites in the Potosí region of Bolivia is associated with significant health risks, including higher frequencies of hypertension, hematuria (blood in urine), and ketonuria (ketones in urine). A study comparing adults from mining and non-mining villages found that those exposed to mine-contaminated water and consuming locally farmed grains had a 4.3 times greater risk of hematuria. Elevated blood lead levels were also observed in participants with hematuria, suggesting a link between metal exposure and kidney damage. These findings underscore the need for environmental regulations to mitigate toxic metal contamination near mining areas.

Farag, S., Das, R., Strosnider, W. H. J., & Wilson, R. T. (2015). Possible Health Effects of Living in Proximity to Mining Sites Near Potosí, Bolivia. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 57(5), 543–551. https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0000000000000401