Unintended Consequences of Urban Expansion and Gold Mining: Elevated Indoor Radon Levels in Gauteng Communities’ Neighboring Gold Mine Tailings-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Unintended Consequences of Urban Expansion and Gold Mining: Elevated Indoor Radon Levels in Gauteng Communities’ Neighboring Gold Mine Tailings

Published:2024-07-24 Issue:8 Volume:15 Page:881
ISSN:2073-4433
Container-title:Atmosphere
language:en
Short-container-title:Atmosphere

Author:

Mphaga Khathutshelo Vincent¹,Utembe Wells¹²^ORCID,Shezi Busisiwe¹³^ORCID,Mbonane Thokozani P.¹^ORCID,Rathebe Phoka C.¹^ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa

2. National Health Laboratory Service, Toxicology and Biochemistry Department, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa

3. Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa

Abstract

The province of Gauteng in South Africa has a rich history of gold mining, which has driven economic growth and urbanization. Gold mining has also created over 270 gold mine tailings (GMT), now surrounded by human settlements due to a housing shortage. These GMT pose a health risk as they harbor elevated uranium, which over time undergoes radioactive decay to produce radon, a known lung carcinogen. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between the proximity to gold mine tailings (GMT) and indoor radon concentrations in Gauteng’s residential dwellings. Volume activity of radon (VAR) inside 330 residential dwellings was measured in residential dwellings located proximally (<2 km) and distally (>2 km) to gold mine tailings using AlphaE radon monitors during winter. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on factors that may influence indoor radon activities. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression analyzed the influence of proximity to gold mine tailings and dwelling characteristics on VAR. Furthermore, VAR was compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) radon reference level of 100 Bq/m3. Residential dwellings near gold mine tailings had significantly higher average indoor radon concentrations (103.30 Bq/m3) compared to the control group (65.19 Bq/m3). Residential dwellings proximal to gold mine tailings were three times more likely to have VAR beyond the WHO reference level of 100 Bq/m3. Furthermore, they had estimated annual effective doses of 2.60 mSv/y compared to 1.64 mSv/y for the control group. This study highlighted a concerning association between proximity to gold mine tailings and elevated indoor radon levels. Public health interventions prioritizing residential dwellings near gold mine tailings are crucial. Educational campaigns and financial assistance for radon mitigation systems in high-risk dwellings are recommended. Residents near gold mine tailings are encouraged to ensure continuous natural ventilation through frequent opening of windows and doors.

Funder

NRF

Publisher

MDPI AG

Link

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/15/8/881/pdf

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