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Lung Function Assessment as an Early Biomonitor of Mercury-Induced Health Disorders in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Areas in Indonesia

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  • Sri Manovita Pateda

    (Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 790-8577, Japan
    Public Health Department, Faculty of Sport and Health, State University of Gorontalo, Jenderal Sudirman Street 6, Gorontalo City, Gorontalo Province 96100, Indonesia)

  • Masayuki Sakakibara

    (Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 790-8577, Japan
    Faculty of Collaborative Regional Innovation, Ehime University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 790-8577, Japan
    Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, 457-4 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan)

  • Koichiro Sera

    (Cyclotron Research Center, Iwate Medical University, 348-58 Tomegamori, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0173, Japan)

Abstract

The evaluation of mercury impact on humans is currently nonspecific because the body characteristics (homeostasis) of each human being varies. Therefore, in the early diagnosis of mercury toxicity, one of the most important monitoring parameters is the respiratory function examination. In this study, respiratory function was examined with a portable spirometer and correlated with the mercury levels in hair from the noses and heads of subjects. Samples were taken from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas (villages of East Tulabolo and Dunggilata) and control areas (villages of Bongo and Longalo) in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia. A statistical analysis with the Mann–Whitney test (alternative) showed significant differences in lung function between the polluted and control areas ( α = 0.03). The analysis of nasal and head hair samples with particle-induced X -ray emissions (PIXE) showed that the mercury levels in the ASGM area were considerably higher than in the more homogeneous control areas. This study confirms that a pulmonary function test is a quick and precise alternative way to monitor the impact of mercury on humans, especially atmospheric mercury, because we detected a negative correlation between pulmonary function and the level of mercury in hair.

Suggested Citation

  • Sri Manovita Pateda & Masayuki Sakakibara & Koichiro Sera, 2018. "Lung Function Assessment as an Early Biomonitor of Mercury-Induced Health Disorders in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Areas in Indonesia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:11:p:2480-:d:181108
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. José Luis Rivera-Parra & Bernardo Beate & Ximena Diaz & María Belén Ochoa, 2021. "Artisanal and Small Gold Mining and Petroleum Production as Potential Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination in Ecuador: A Call to Action," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Ami A. Meutia & Dianto Bachriadi & Nurfitri Abdul Gafur, 2023. "Environment Degradation, Health Threats, and Legality at the Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining Sites in Indonesia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(18), pages 1-26, September.
    3. Sri Manovita Pateda & Masayuki Sakakibara & Koichiro Sera, 2021. "Element Rich Area Associated with Human Health Disorders: A Geomedical Science Approach to Potentially Toxic Elements Contamination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-9, November.

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