A REVIEW OF THE OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS OF BAUXITE MINING IN MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17501/icoph.2017.3101Keywords:
Bauxite mining, occupational and environmental health hazards, MalaysiaAbstract
This review aims to explore the potential occupational and environmental health hazards on lives of miners and neighbouring communities, in relation to bauxite mining in Malaysia. The mining related environmental issues include air, water and soil pollution due to bauxite dust; its leaching into water sources reduces soil fertility, affects agricultural food produce and aquatic life. Bauxite occupational exposure affects the health of miners, apart from negative health impacts on neighbouring communities; such as frequent respiratory symptoms, and contamination of drinking water. Other potential health effects of bauxite mining include noise-induced hearing loss and mental stress. This review describes the processes of bauxite mining, its components, the residual trace elements, and their impacts on environment and health of exposed workers and communities. It also discusses Malaysian legal requirements and occupational exposure standards for bauxite.
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References
Abdullah, N.H., et. al, 2016, Potential health impacts of bauxite mining in Kuantan. Malaysian Journal of Medical Science, 23(3), pp. 1-8.
ACGIH 2012. Biological Exposure Indices (BEI): Introduction. Ohio, US: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Date of access: 02/04/2016. http://www.acgih.org/tlv-bei-guidelines /biological-exposure-indices-introduction
Barceloux, D., 1999, Chromium. Journal of Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology, 37 (2), pp. 173-194.
Beach, J.R., et. al, 2001, Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bauxite miners. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 74 (7), pp. 489-494.
Bellot, S.M., et. al, 1984, Deposition of bauxite dust and pulmonary fibrosis. Pathology Research and Practice, 179 (2), pp. 225-229.
Bernhoft, R., 2012, Mercury toxicity and treatment: a view of the Literature. Journal of Environment and Public Health, 460508. Date of access: 02/04/2016. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph /2012/ 460508/ref/
Bernhoft, R., 2013, Cadmium toxicity and treatment. Scientific World Journal, 394652. Date of access: 03/04/2016. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2013/394652/
Bradl, H.B., 2005, Sources and Origins of Heavy Metals. Chapter 1, In Bradl HB (ed), Heavy Metals in the Environment: Origin, Interaction and Remediation. Interface Science and Technology, (6), pp. 1-27.
Bray, E. 2016, US Geological Survey. Mineral Commodity Summaries: Bauxite and Alumina, pp. 32-33.
Date of access: 03/04/2016. https://www.minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mcs/2016/mcs2016.pdf
Carvalho, F.P., et. al, 2013, Radionuclides and radiation doses in heavy mineral sands and other mining operations in Mozambique. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 158 (2), pp. 181-186.
Coke, L.B., et. al, 1987, Environmental impact of bauxite mining and processing in Jamaica. Social and Economic Studies, 36 (1), pp. 289-333.
Crossgrove. J. and Zheng, W. 2004, Manganese toxicity upon overexposure. NMR Biomed, 17 (8), pp. 544-553.
Das, K., et. al, 2008, Nickel, its adverse health effects & oxidative stress. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 128 (4), pp. 412-425.
Decibels, D., 2016, Decibel Exposure Time Guidelines. Date of access: 03/04/2016. http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/education/ information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/.
Dennekamp, M., et. al, 2015, Longitudinal analysis of respiratory outcomes among bauxite exposed workers in Western Australia. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 58 (8), pp. 897-904.
DOE 2012. Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia. Guidelines for Siting and Zoning of Industry and Residential Areas. Date of access: 03/04/2016. http://www.doe.gov.my/eia/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Guidelines-For-Siting-and-Zoning-of-Industry-and-Residental-Areas-2012.pdf
Donoghue, A.M., et. al, 2014, Bauxite mining and alumina refining: process description and occupational health risks. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 56 (5), pp. 12-17.
Donoghue, A.M., et. al, 2016, Hearing conservation in the primary aluminium industry. Occupational Medicine (Lond), 66 (3), pp. 208-214.
Flaten, T.P. 2001, Aluminium as a risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, with emphasis on drinking water. Brain Research Bulletin, 55 (2), pp. 187-196.
Flora, G., et. al, 2012, Toxicity of lead: A review with recent updates. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 5 (2), pp. 47-58.
Friesen, M.C., et. al, 2009, Relationships between alumina and bauxite dust exposure and cancer, respiratory and circulatory disease. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 66 (9), pp. 615-618.
Fritschi, L., et. al, 2008, All cause mortality and incidence of cancer in workers in bauxite mines and alumina refineries. International Journal of Cancer, 123 (4), pp. 882-887.
Gardner, J.H. and David, T.B. 2007, Bauxite mining restoration by Alcoa World Alumina Australia in Western Australia: Social, political, historical, and environmental contexts. Restoration Ecology, 15(4), pp. 3-10.
Gelencser, A.K.N., et. al, 2011, The Red Mud Accident in Ajka (Hungary): Characterization and Potential Health Effects of Fugitive Dust. Environmental Science Technology, 45, pp. 1608-1615.
Hashim, J.H., 2016, Public health impacts from bauxite mining activities in Kuantan. Forum on sustainable mining: Case study of bauxite mining in Pahang. Kuala Lumpur.
IAI 2008, Fourth Sustainable Bauxite Mining Report. London, United Kingdom: International Aluminium Institute. Date of access: 02/04/2016. http://www.bauxite.world-aluminium.org/fileadmin /_migrated/content_uploads/IV_Sustainable_Bx__Mining_Report.pdf
IAI 2015, Bauxite Residue Management: Best Practice. UK. International Aluminium Institute. Date of access: 02/04/2016. http://www.bauxite.world-aluminium.org/fileadmin/_migrated/content _uploads /Bauxite_Residue_Management_-_Best_Practice__English__01.pdf
ILO 2016. Chemical Exposure Limits Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organisation. Date of access: 03/04/2016. http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/publications/WCMS_151534/lang--en/index.htm.
IDI 2009, Iron Overload: Iron Disorders Institute. Date of access: 03/04/2016.http://www.irondisorders. org/iron-overload
Lad, R.J. and Samant, J.S. 2015, Impact of bauxite mining on soil: A case study of Bauxite Mines at Udgiri, Dist-Kolhapur, Maharashtra State, India. Internal Research Journal of Environmental Sciences, 4 (2), pp. 77-83.
Lustberg, M. and Silbergeld, E. 2002, Blood lead levels and mortality. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162 (21), pp. 2443-2449.
Mertzanis, A., 2011, The opencast bauxite mining in N.E. Ghiona: Eco-environmental impacts and geo-morphological changes (Central Greece). Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 5 (2), pp. 21-35.
Mitchell, J., et. al, 1961, Pulmonary fibrosis in workers exposed to finely powdered aluminium. British Journal of Industrial Medicine,18 (10), pp. 23.
Nanda, S.K., 2012, Noise Impact Assessment and Prediction in Mines Using Soft Computing Techniques. Dept of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, India. Date of access: 04/04/2016. http://www.ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/4560/1/PhD50405001revised.pdf
Nawrot, T., et. al, 2006, Environmental exposure to cadmium and risk of cancer: A prospective population-based study. Lancet Oncology, 7 (2), pp. 119-126.
OSHA 1970, Permissible Exposure Limits - Annotated Tables: Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. US Dept of Labour, Washington, US: Date of access: 04/04/2016. https:// www.osha.gov/dsg/annotated-pels/.
Petavratzi, E.K.S. and Lowndes, I. 2005, Particulates from mining operations: A review of sources, effects and regulations. Minerals Engineering, (18), pp. 1183-1199.
Ratnaike, R. 2003, Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 79 (933), pp. 391-396.
Raymond, A.W. and Okieimen, F.E. 2011, Heavy metals in contaminated soils: A review of sources, chemistry, risks, and best available strategies for remediation. ISRN Ecology, pp. 1-20. Date of access: 05/04/2016. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2011/402647/
Satoh, H., 2000, Occupational and environmental toxicology of mercury and its compounds. Industrial Health, 38 (2), pp. 153-164.
Schuepp, K. and Sly, P., 2012, The developing respiratory tract and its specific needs in regard to ultrafine particulate matter exposure. Pediatric Respiratory Review, 13, pp. 95-99.
Townsend, M.C., et. al, 1985, Pulmonary function in relation to total dust exposure at a bauxite refinery and alumina-based chemical products plant. American Review of Respiratory Diseases, 132 (6), pp. 1174-1180.
Tse, P.K. 2015, The Mineral Industry of Malaysia: Minerals Yearbook 2013. US Geological Survey, US Dept of Interior. 4 (15), pp. 1-7. Date of access: 05/04/2016. https://www. minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/ pubs/country/2013/myb3-2013-my.pdf
USECHH 2000, Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994: Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health Regulations 2000. Date of access: 04/04/2016. http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php /en/legislation/regulations-1/ osha-1994-act-154/522-pua-131-2000-1/file
Vanerkar, A.P., et. al, 2008, Whole body vibration exposure in heavy earth moving machinery operators of metalliferrous mines. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 143 (1-3), pp. 239-245.
Wesdock, J.C. and Arnold, I.M. 2014, Occupational and environmental health in the aluminum industry: key points for health practitioners. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 56 (5), pp. 5-11.
WHO 2004, Health Aspects of Air Pollution: Results from the WHO Project “Systematic Review of Health Aspects of Air Pollution in Europe”. Copenhagen: World Health Organization. Date of access: 06/04/2016. http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/74730/E83080.pdf?ua=1
Wright, V., et. al, 2012, Effect of bauxite mineralized soil on residual metal levels in some post-harvest food crops in Jamaica. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 89(4), pp. 824–830.
Yi, Y.J. and Zhang, S.H. 2011, Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediment and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in fishes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze river basin. Environmental Pollution, 159 (10), pp. 2575-2585.
Zhou, H., et. al, 2006, Accumulation of heavy metals in vegetable species planted in contaminated soils and the health risk assessment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13 (3), pp. 289.
ACGIH 2012. Biological Exposure Indices (BEI): Introduction. Ohio, US: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Date of access: 02/04/2016. http://www.acgih.org/tlv-bei-guidelines /biological-exposure-indices-introduction
Barceloux, D., 1999, Chromium. Journal of Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology, 37 (2), pp. 173-194.
Beach, J.R., et. al, 2001, Respiratory symptoms and lung function in bauxite miners. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 74 (7), pp. 489-494.
Bellot, S.M., et. al, 1984, Deposition of bauxite dust and pulmonary fibrosis. Pathology Research and Practice, 179 (2), pp. 225-229.
Bernhoft, R., 2012, Mercury toxicity and treatment: a view of the Literature. Journal of Environment and Public Health, 460508. Date of access: 02/04/2016. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph /2012/ 460508/ref/
Bernhoft, R., 2013, Cadmium toxicity and treatment. Scientific World Journal, 394652. Date of access: 03/04/2016. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2013/394652/
Bradl, H.B., 2005, Sources and Origins of Heavy Metals. Chapter 1, In Bradl HB (ed), Heavy Metals in the Environment: Origin, Interaction and Remediation. Interface Science and Technology, (6), pp. 1-27.
Bray, E. 2016, US Geological Survey. Mineral Commodity Summaries: Bauxite and Alumina, pp. 32-33.
Date of access: 03/04/2016. https://www.minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mcs/2016/mcs2016.pdf
Carvalho, F.P., et. al, 2013, Radionuclides and radiation doses in heavy mineral sands and other mining operations in Mozambique. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 158 (2), pp. 181-186.
Coke, L.B., et. al, 1987, Environmental impact of bauxite mining and processing in Jamaica. Social and Economic Studies, 36 (1), pp. 289-333.
Crossgrove. J. and Zheng, W. 2004, Manganese toxicity upon overexposure. NMR Biomed, 17 (8), pp. 544-553.
Das, K., et. al, 2008, Nickel, its adverse health effects & oxidative stress. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 128 (4), pp. 412-425.
Decibels, D., 2016, Decibel Exposure Time Guidelines. Date of access: 03/04/2016. http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/education/ information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/.
Dennekamp, M., et. al, 2015, Longitudinal analysis of respiratory outcomes among bauxite exposed workers in Western Australia. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 58 (8), pp. 897-904.
DOE 2012. Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia. Guidelines for Siting and Zoning of Industry and Residential Areas. Date of access: 03/04/2016. http://www.doe.gov.my/eia/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Guidelines-For-Siting-and-Zoning-of-Industry-and-Residental-Areas-2012.pdf
Donoghue, A.M., et. al, 2014, Bauxite mining and alumina refining: process description and occupational health risks. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 56 (5), pp. 12-17.
Donoghue, A.M., et. al, 2016, Hearing conservation in the primary aluminium industry. Occupational Medicine (Lond), 66 (3), pp. 208-214.
Flaten, T.P. 2001, Aluminium as a risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, with emphasis on drinking water. Brain Research Bulletin, 55 (2), pp. 187-196.
Flora, G., et. al, 2012, Toxicity of lead: A review with recent updates. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 5 (2), pp. 47-58.
Friesen, M.C., et. al, 2009, Relationships between alumina and bauxite dust exposure and cancer, respiratory and circulatory disease. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 66 (9), pp. 615-618.
Fritschi, L., et. al, 2008, All cause mortality and incidence of cancer in workers in bauxite mines and alumina refineries. International Journal of Cancer, 123 (4), pp. 882-887.
Gardner, J.H. and David, T.B. 2007, Bauxite mining restoration by Alcoa World Alumina Australia in Western Australia: Social, political, historical, and environmental contexts. Restoration Ecology, 15(4), pp. 3-10.
Gelencser, A.K.N., et. al, 2011, The Red Mud Accident in Ajka (Hungary): Characterization and Potential Health Effects of Fugitive Dust. Environmental Science Technology, 45, pp. 1608-1615.
Hashim, J.H., 2016, Public health impacts from bauxite mining activities in Kuantan. Forum on sustainable mining: Case study of bauxite mining in Pahang. Kuala Lumpur.
IAI 2008, Fourth Sustainable Bauxite Mining Report. London, United Kingdom: International Aluminium Institute. Date of access: 02/04/2016. http://www.bauxite.world-aluminium.org/fileadmin /_migrated/content_uploads/IV_Sustainable_Bx__Mining_Report.pdf
IAI 2015, Bauxite Residue Management: Best Practice. UK. International Aluminium Institute. Date of access: 02/04/2016. http://www.bauxite.world-aluminium.org/fileadmin/_migrated/content _uploads /Bauxite_Residue_Management_-_Best_Practice__English__01.pdf
ILO 2016. Chemical Exposure Limits Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organisation. Date of access: 03/04/2016. http://www.ilo.org/safework/info/publications/WCMS_151534/lang--en/index.htm.
IDI 2009, Iron Overload: Iron Disorders Institute. Date of access: 03/04/2016.http://www.irondisorders. org/iron-overload
Lad, R.J. and Samant, J.S. 2015, Impact of bauxite mining on soil: A case study of Bauxite Mines at Udgiri, Dist-Kolhapur, Maharashtra State, India. Internal Research Journal of Environmental Sciences, 4 (2), pp. 77-83.
Lustberg, M. and Silbergeld, E. 2002, Blood lead levels and mortality. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162 (21), pp. 2443-2449.
Mertzanis, A., 2011, The opencast bauxite mining in N.E. Ghiona: Eco-environmental impacts and geo-morphological changes (Central Greece). Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 5 (2), pp. 21-35.
Mitchell, J., et. al, 1961, Pulmonary fibrosis in workers exposed to finely powdered aluminium. British Journal of Industrial Medicine,18 (10), pp. 23.
Nanda, S.K., 2012, Noise Impact Assessment and Prediction in Mines Using Soft Computing Techniques. Dept of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, India. Date of access: 04/04/2016. http://www.ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/4560/1/PhD50405001revised.pdf
Nawrot, T., et. al, 2006, Environmental exposure to cadmium and risk of cancer: A prospective population-based study. Lancet Oncology, 7 (2), pp. 119-126.
OSHA 1970, Permissible Exposure Limits - Annotated Tables: Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. US Dept of Labour, Washington, US: Date of access: 04/04/2016. https:// www.osha.gov/dsg/annotated-pels/.
Petavratzi, E.K.S. and Lowndes, I. 2005, Particulates from mining operations: A review of sources, effects and regulations. Minerals Engineering, (18), pp. 1183-1199.
Ratnaike, R. 2003, Acute and chronic arsenic toxicity. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 79 (933), pp. 391-396.
Raymond, A.W. and Okieimen, F.E. 2011, Heavy metals in contaminated soils: A review of sources, chemistry, risks, and best available strategies for remediation. ISRN Ecology, pp. 1-20. Date of access: 05/04/2016. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2011/402647/
Satoh, H., 2000, Occupational and environmental toxicology of mercury and its compounds. Industrial Health, 38 (2), pp. 153-164.
Schuepp, K. and Sly, P., 2012, The developing respiratory tract and its specific needs in regard to ultrafine particulate matter exposure. Pediatric Respiratory Review, 13, pp. 95-99.
Townsend, M.C., et. al, 1985, Pulmonary function in relation to total dust exposure at a bauxite refinery and alumina-based chemical products plant. American Review of Respiratory Diseases, 132 (6), pp. 1174-1180.
Tse, P.K. 2015, The Mineral Industry of Malaysia: Minerals Yearbook 2013. US Geological Survey, US Dept of Interior. 4 (15), pp. 1-7. Date of access: 05/04/2016. https://www. minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/ pubs/country/2013/myb3-2013-my.pdf
USECHH 2000, Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994: Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health Regulations 2000. Date of access: 04/04/2016. http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php /en/legislation/regulations-1/ osha-1994-act-154/522-pua-131-2000-1/file
Vanerkar, A.P., et. al, 2008, Whole body vibration exposure in heavy earth moving machinery operators of metalliferrous mines. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 143 (1-3), pp. 239-245.
Wesdock, J.C. and Arnold, I.M. 2014, Occupational and environmental health in the aluminum industry: key points for health practitioners. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 56 (5), pp. 5-11.
WHO 2004, Health Aspects of Air Pollution: Results from the WHO Project “Systematic Review of Health Aspects of Air Pollution in Europe”. Copenhagen: World Health Organization. Date of access: 06/04/2016. http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/74730/E83080.pdf?ua=1
Wright, V., et. al, 2012, Effect of bauxite mineralized soil on residual metal levels in some post-harvest food crops in Jamaica. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 89(4), pp. 824–830.
Yi, Y.J. and Zhang, S.H. 2011, Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediment and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in fishes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze river basin. Environmental Pollution, 159 (10), pp. 2575-2585.
Zhou, H., et. al, 2006, Accumulation of heavy metals in vegetable species planted in contaminated soils and the health risk assessment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13 (3), pp. 289.
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Published
2017-11-16
How to Cite
Qureshi, A., Nordin, R., Yiqian, K., Hua, H., Hooi, T., Ying, T., Ling, S., & Ponnudurai, T. (2017). A REVIEW OF THE OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS OF BAUXITE MINING IN MALAYSIA. Proceedings of the International Conference on Public Health, 3(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.17501/icoph.2017.3101
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