Assessments in Communities Polluted with Heavy Metals, Armenia. Varduhi Petrosyan, MS, PhD Ruzanna Grigoryan, MD, MPH Andrew McCartor, JD

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1 Assessments in Communities Polluted with Heavy Metals, Armenia Varduhi Petrosyan, MS, PhD Ruzanna Grigoryan, MD, MPH Andrew McCartor, JD March 2015

2 Outline Toxic Site Identification Program Initial Site Screenings (ISS) in Polluted Communities in Armenia Objectives Methods Finding Recommendations Other projects

3 Toxic Sites Identification Program Started 2009 Implemented with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and supported by World Bank, Asian Development Bank and European Commission In Armenia, the program managed by American University of Armenia Scope: Toxic pollutants Heavy metals, radionuclides, pesticides, PCBs, VOCs, PAHs, dioxins, etc. Not including: greenhouse gasses, sewage, non-toxic municipal waste From a point-source (no distributed air pollution) In low- and middle-income countries (as defined by World Bank) Creating a potential human health risk Goals: Increase understanding of the scope of the problem Provide data to decision-makers Increase global funding for remediation Prioritize resources to address human health risks

4 Methodology of the Program Building a global database of hotspots In each country, the program is implemented by a Country Coordinator and a team of Site Investigators Two-day training in the program s site screening methodology Local team identifies sites to screen Investigators conduct rapid a 1-2 day initial site screening at each site Photos; environmental sampling; estimation of population at risk; interviews; collection of pre-existing health data; observations regarding pollution source, pollution migration path and media, geography, climate, social patterns, etc. A rapid screening tool used to prioritize further study Not a detailed site assessment as required for remediation

5 Geographic Scope of the Program Since 2009, the Program has expanded to 65 low- and middle-income countries The database: sites identified and screenings completed

6 Mining in Armenia State Inventory of Mineral Resources active mines of metals and construction sand/stone Among them 22 metal mines (copper, molybdenum, gold) 19 tailing ponds

7 Methods of ISS in Armenia A two-day workshop on the methodology and ISS protocols Based on document review and expert opinions (Ministries of Nature Protection, Health, and Emergency Situations) 25 communities adjacent to toxic sites identified 19 adjacent to mining and smelting industries Site observation and description Rapid stakeholder analysis with community members, local authorities such as health providers and mayors office staff, representatives from NGOs 115 participants 92 soil samples 40 residential 29 agricultural and 23 school/kindergarten Tested using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), total dissolution performed prior to analysis

8 Observation Findings Neglected state of tailing ponds Lack of proper fencing and warning signs Some abandoned tailing ponds used as pasture sites or gardens No systematic and adequate monitoring of tailing ponds Multiple accidents, breaks, and leakages from tailing ponds or tailing pipes affecting communities Located near residential areas or have a migration pathway to people through rivers, pastures and cultivated lands In some places tailings were used as construction material by community residents Children are exposed to heavy metals through contaminated soil in their yards and playgrounds

9 Mining Wastes Near the Communities Tailing pond near the school Mining waste across community roads Wheat fields, pastures, and gardens near the tailing pond Mining waste on the community road

10 Mining wastes in the river flowing through residential areas

11 Mining waste in the school yard source of exposure for children

12 Stakeholder Analysis Health and environmental impacts according to stakeholders Health increased number of myocardial infarction and stroke, hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases, fatigue, malignant tumors, allergies, birth defects, infertility, respiratory diseases, headaches, and diabetes Reduced soil fertility and crop production, poor quality of some vegetables and fruits Disappearing species of animals (e.g., frogs and fish) in polluted rivers

13 Stakeholder Analysis Social impacts according to stakeholders Residents often forced to sell property to mining companies without proper compensation Low salaries of community members working in mines No medical insurance for mining workers or community Fear to raise concerns, particularly those who have family members working in mines Lack of trust towards policy and decision makers to resolve mining related socio-economic and health issues Damage to housing because of explosions and vibration Dust, noise, vibration and smell disturbing residents Agricultural products from polluted areas not competitive in the market because of being considered contaminated

14 Soil Sample Analysis Heavy metals Screening level for residential soil Mg/kg % of residential soil samples above screening level % of school/ kindergarten playground soil samples above screening level Screening level for agricultural soil Mg/kg % of agricultural soil samples above screening level n/n n/n n/n Chromium total /40 Cadmium /40 Arsenic /40 Lead / / / / / / / / /29

15 Strengths and Limitations Strengths First large scale risk screening in Armenia Limitations No extra quality control measures taken by the research team (i.e., absence of standard or duplicate samples) Initial screening - limited scope: low number of environmental samples

16 Recommendations Conduct thorough risk assessments in the most affected communities Develop local and national action plans to address the contamination Conduct community empowerment programs to reduce environmental and health risks in those communities. All these activities need to be implemented in close collaboration with the Government of RA. The ISS approach could be used for other sources of pollutants that pose a high risk of environmental contamination.

17 Pilot Project in Akhtala

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20 Blood Lead Levels in Children 4-6 Years Old Variables mean, range, Yerevan Alaverdi Akhtala SD Erebuni Children involved in the study 43.4% 23.3% 33.3% (n/n) (69/159) (37/159) (53/159) BLL above 5 µg/dl 72.5% 83.8% 52.8% (n/n) (50/69) (31/37) (29/53) GM of BLL N Mean ± SD 6.4 ± ± ± 2.4 Range

21 Copper smelter in Lori region Nahatak tailing pond in Lori region Artsvanik tailing pond in Syunik region Questions? Geghanush tailing pond in Syunik region