Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The article systematically reviews the pollution caused by chromite mining, focusing on chromium toxicity, its mechanisms, and the health impact on exposed individuals. It investigates the sources of contamination, including airborne dust, water, and soil, and examines how mining activities contribute to the accumulation of toxic metals such as chromium and nickel in the environment. The review outlines the various exposure routes for workers and nearby residents, emphasizing the adverse health effects caused by prolonged exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), such as respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of cancer. The review advocates for better occupational safety, real-time pollution monitoring, and improved healthcare provisions for workers exposed to chromite mining pollution.
Who is affected?
The stakeholders affected by chromite mining pollution include workers directly involved in mining operations, local communities residing near mining areas, and the broader public consuming contaminated water or food. Workers are exposed to toxic metals through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, leading to a heightened risk of occupational diseases such as lung cancer, respiratory disorders, and skin problems. Local populations living close to mining sites are also at risk, as contaminated air, water, and soil affect their health. Vulnerable groups, including children and elderly individuals, are particularly susceptible to the long-term effects of exposure to toxic metals. Regulatory bodies and public health officials play a significant role in monitoring and controlling pollution to protect these populations.
Most important findings
The review highlights several critical findings regarding the environmental and health risks associated with chromite mining. Chromium, particularly in its hexavalent form (Cr(VI)), is identified as a potent carcinogen and a significant environmental pollutant. Prolonged exposure to Cr(VI) through inhalation of dust, dermal contact, and consumption of contaminated food or water can lead to severe health consequences, including respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal issues, immune system suppression, and an increased risk of cancer. The study also discusses the toxicological mechanisms through which Cr(VI) induces oxidative stress and DNA damage, leading to cell mutations and carcinogenesis. Additionally, biomonitoring studies reveal elevated levels of toxic metals in the biological samples of workers exposed to mining dust, further confirming the health risks associated with chromite mining. The review calls for comprehensive health risk assessments and cross-sectional biomonitoring studies to evaluate the extent of contamination and its impact on workers and nearby communities.
Key implications
The findings from this review have significant implications for both the mining industry and public health. For industries involved in chromite mining, the review stresses the need for improved occupational safety measures, including the provision of protective equipment and regular health checkups for workers. Additionally, mining companies should invest in real-time pollution monitoring systems to detect and reduce toxic metal emissions, particularly Cr(VI). Public health authorities must prioritize the implementation of stricter environmental regulations to limit chromium contamination in water, air, and soil, ensuring that the public, especially vulnerable populations, is not exposed to hazardous levels of these metals. The food industry should also ensure that its supply chains are free from chromium contamination, particularly in seafood, fruits, and vegetables grown in contaminated soil. The review advocates for the inclusion of chromium exposure in public health frameworks and calls for global initiatives to address the long-term environmental consequences of chromite mining.
Citation
Khan, C., Malik, R. N., & Chen, J. (2024). Human exposure to chromite mining pollution, the toxicity mechanism and health impact. Heliyon, 10(21), e40083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40083
Chromium (Cr) is a widely used metal with significant public health implications, especially in its toxic hexavalent form. The HMTC program’s stricter regulations ensure that chromium exposure is minimized, safeguarding consumer health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
