Gold, nickel and copper mining and processing.
Nancy E Lightfoot1, Michael A Pacey, Shelley Darling
1School of Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario.
Chronic Diseases in Canada
|January 5, 2011
Summary
Cancer risks in Canadian ore mining, particularly gold, nickel, and copper, are examined. While nickel exposure poses risks to the lungs and nasal sinuses, current levels show minimal risk. Further research is needed for definitive conclusions on gold and copper mining exposures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ore mining is widespread in Canada, exposing workers to metals and other substances like diesel emissions, silica, and arsenic.
- Workers in metal mining and processing face potential health risks from various occupational exposures.
- This chapter focuses on cancer risks associated with gold, nickel, and copper mining.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine cancer risks in gold, nickel, and copper mining and processing.
- To evaluate the human carcinogenicity of nickel, considering species, concentration, and exposure route.
- To assess current understanding and identify research gaps regarding cancer risks in these mining sectors.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies on nickel refinery and processing workers.
- Analysis of human carcinogenicity data for nickel, focusing on inhalation exposure.
- Examination of existing literature on cancer risks in gold and copper mining.
Main Results:
- Nickel carcinogenicity is route- and species-dependent, with inhalation posing the primary risk to lungs and nasal sinuses.
- Current exposure levels in most nickel industry sectors show little to no detectable risk.
- Definitive conclusions on cancer risks from gold and copper mining are not yet possible due to limited data.
Conclusions:
- Nickel exposure risks are primarily associated with inhalation, particularly in historical occupational settings.
- Current occupational risks from nickel in Canada appear low.
- Additional research is required to fully understand and quantify cancer risks associated with gold and copper mining and processing, considering various exposure factors.
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