The problem

The Rudnaya River Valley region has observed a high rate of cancer as well as chronic and acute illnesses due to the use of outdated mining technology and metal smelting. The district capital Dalnegorsk is contaminated with boron, sulfur, and heavy metals including lead, cadmium, and zinc. The second biggest town in the valley is Rudnaya Pristan, which translates into “mining port� and is built around the lead smelter and the seaport, is one of the most lead contaminated sites in Russia. The town has the highest rate of respiratory diseases in the region and other illnesses including neurological damage. Children there continued to have a higher blood lead levels even after the intervention began. For almost a century, lead and zinc ore produced in the local mines is processed at the refining factory in Dalnegorsk. The lead and zinc concentrate were transported in open cars to Rudnaya Pristan for smelting up until 2006. Lead and cadmium, the most potent toxins in the region, damage human health through inhalation of lead dust, playing with contaminated soil, eating produce grown on contaminated lands, and air pollution. These toxins inhibit the functioning and development of the nervous system and are particularly harmful to children, leading to permanent learning and behavior disorders. Common symptoms of lead poisoning include abdominal pain, headache, anemia, irritability, and in severe cases seizures, coma, and death.

Health Impact

Nearly a century of mining and refining of lead has left the sols of this region contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic substances contributing to high levels of cancers as well as lead poisoning, which is particularly severe among children. Other prominent victims are miners and smelter and refining plant workers. Rudnaya Pristan has the highest rate respiratory diseases in the region and other illnesses including neurological damages. About 50 percent of tested children had elevated blood lead levels even after the smelting of lead concentrate was stopped.

Current Activity

An international consortium is engaged in a multi-faceted project to mitigate the health effects of lead. Activities include: studying contamination and sources of exposure, conducting outreach and education, medical monitoring of children and cleaning up playground areas.

Outcome

Between 2007 and 2009, pollution remediation was conducted in a total area of 16,400 square feet. 90 percent of the children residing in this area saw an average of 37-percent blood lead level decrease.