Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental
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DETERMINACIÓN DE FACTORES INVOLUCRADOS EN LA VALORACIÓN DEL RIESGO POTENCIAL ASOCIADO A LA DISPERSIÓN ATMOSFÉRICA DE JALES MINEROS Y A SU INGESTIÓN
Get PDFEven though the mining industry is a prosperous activity that offers economic benefits and important job opportunities in the states where it is developed, it generates negative and cumulative environmental impacts. The waste generated, i.e. mining tails, is the biggest concern due to the risk of wind dispersion and the release of chemical species by leaching effects and their consequent damage to the population and ecosystems. The main objective of this work was: a) to evaluate the in vitro bioavailability of arsenic by ingestion of mine tailings dust using a method that simulates the gastric and intestinal conditions of the human body in the mining district of Zimapán, Hidalgo, Mexico, and b) to determine the concentration of arsenic by its particle size using atomic absorption spectrometry coupled to hydride generator. The results of this study are intended to provide information to determine the risk that mine tailings represent to the studied area. The results show that As is released in greater proportion when the pH of the medium is acid in gastric conditions. However, when the pH levels tend to neutrality in intestinal conditions there is a decrease in the release of As. Regarding the generation of an aerosol from mining waste, the results show that the highest concentration of As was present in particles of 1.0 μm. This represents a high risk to the population, given these particles are in the breathable fraction (i.e., PM2.5).La industria minera es una actividad próspera que ofrece beneficios económicos y oportunidades laborales importantes en los estados donde se desarrolla. Sin embargo, los residuos mineros denominados jales son de gran preocupación debido al riesgo de dispersión eólica y a la liberación de especies químicas por efectos de lixiviación y su consecuente daño a la población y a los ecosistemas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue: a) evaluar la biodisponibilidad in vitro del arsénico por ingestión de polvo de jales, mediante un método que simula las condiciones gástricas e intestinales del cuerpo humano, en el distrito minero de Zimapán, Hidalgo, México, y b) determinar la concentración de arsénico por tamaño de partícula usando espectrometría de absorción atómica acoplada a generador de hidruros. Con los resultados del estudio se pretende aportar información que permita determinar el riesgo que representan los jales mineros en la zona de estudio. Los resultados muestran que el As se libera en mayor proporción cuando el pH del medio es ácido, esto es, en condiciones gástricas, existiendo una disminución cuando los niveles de pH tienden a la neutralidad en condiciones intestinales. En lo que se refiere a los resultados de la generación de un aerosol proveniente de residuos mineros, los resultados muestran que la mayor concentración de As se presentó en partículas de 1 µm, lo que representa un gran riesgo para la población, ya que se encuentran dentro de la fracción respirable (i.e., PM2.5)
DETERMINACIÓN DE POSIBLE DRENAJE ÁCIDO DE MINA Y CARACTERIZACIÓN DE JALES MINEROS PROVENIENTES DE LA MINA CERRO DE MERCADO, DURANGO, MÉXICO
Get PDFThe Cerro de Mercado mine, located in the state of Durango, Mexico, has stored tailings during the extraction process of hematite and magnetite for approximately 80 years. The objective of the present investigation was to characterize the tailings of the Boleo Estrella dam of the Cerro de Mercado mine, considering the Official Mexican Standard NOM-141-SEMARNAT-2003. The sampling was carried out in accordance with the Mexican Standard NMX-AA-132-SCFI-2006. Twenty-eight samples were obtained considering 16.2 ha of the dam surface. As a result of the residues characterization, alkaline pH values and minimum concentrations of sulfur and sulfates were obtained; the ratio of neutralization potential/acidity potential was greater than 1.2, which indicates they are not potential generators of acid drainage. On the other hand, the determination of metals and metalloids present in the tailings samples, which are considered potentially toxic elements, show the presence of arsenic (As) and barium (Ba) in values below the maximum permissible limits (MPL) indicated in NOM-157 SEMARNAT-2009; likewise, 22.2 % of these samples are within the established MPL for chromium (Cr) and 77.8 % are slightly above it. On the other hand, antimony (Sb) was not detected in 66.7 % of the tailings sampled; however, the remaining 33.3 % contains levels of Sb higher than the MPL. According to our study, it can be deduced that the tailings analyzed do not generate acid drainage and under the current environmental conditions, even with the presence of Cr and Sb, they do not pose a danger to the environment.La mina Cerro de Mercado, ubicada en el estado de Durango, México, ha almacenado jales durante el proceso de extracción de hematita y magnetita durante aproximadamente 80 años. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo llevar caracterizar los jales de la presa Boleo Estrella de la mina Cerro de Mercado y determinar el potencial de generación de drenaje ácido, considerando la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-141-SEMARNAT-2003. El muestreo se realizó de acuerdo con la Norma Mexicana NMX-AA-132-SCFI-2006 y se obtuvieron 27 muestras en 16.2 ha de la superficie de la presa. Como resultado de la caracterización de dichos residuos, se obtuvieron valores de pH alcalinos y concentraciones mínimas de azufre y sulfatos; la relación potencial de neutralización/potencial de acidez fue mayor a 1.2, lo que indica que no son generadores potenciales de drenaje ácido. Por otro lado, la determinación de metales y metaloides considerados elementos potencialmente tóxicos presentes en las muestras de jales, evidencian la presencia de arsénico (As) y bario (Ba) en valores inferiores a los límites máximos permisibles (LMP) indicados en la NOM-157 SEMARNAT-2009; asimismo, el 22.2 % de dichas muestras está dentro de los LMP establecidos para cromo (Cr) y el 77.8 % se halla ligeramente por encima de los LMP. En el 66.7 % de los jales muestreados no se detectó antimonio (Sb); sin embargo, el 33.3 % restante contiene Sb en cantidades superiores a los LMP. De acuerdo con el estudio realizado, se puede deducir que los jales analizados no generan drenaje ácido y en las condiciones ambientales actuales, aun con la presencia de Cr y Sb, no presentan peligro para el ambiente
RISK INDICATORS FOR AGRICULTURAL USE IN OIL-CONTAMINATED SOILS
Get PDFOil activities have mainly affected the tropical zones of developing countries, and these effects have been difficult to measure due to the lack of in-situ monitoring indicators in agricultural areas. We determined the physical and chemical properties of soils sampled from four villages situated on the floodplain of the Tonalá River in Tabasco, Mexico, and we analyzed the productive characteristics and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content in each site. The aim was to assess the potential risks affecting agricultural use in areas with or without oil wells. Three indicators were developed: the productive diversity index (PDIx), the productive rate risk index (PRx), and the efficient land use index (ELUIx) for farming systems (crop plants [p] and animal rearing [a]). Results indicate that the main limiting factors for farming are the flooding characteristics of Gleysols, high salinity, and contamination by hydrocarbons, and that these were related to higher values of PRa,p, which were recorded from zones with elevated density of oil facilities. High PDIa,p and ELUIa,p values were found in zones without oil facilities that had a greater production of crops and pastures and lower associated risk factors that are related to the presence of oil wells or soil contamination by TPH, but also to related secondary effects. These results allowed a comparison of potential risk assessment in areas with similar ecosystems, differentiating the diversity and the efficiency of productive land use related to polluted zones.Oil activities have mainly affected the tropical zones of developing countries, and these effects have been difficult to measure due to the lack of in-situ monitoring indicators in agricultural areas. We determined the physical and chemical properties of soils sampled from four villages situated on the floodplain of the Tonalá River in Tabasco, Mexico, and we analyzed the productive characteristics and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content in each site. The aim was to assess the potential risks affecting agricultural use in areas with or without oil wells. Three indicators were developed: the productive diversity index (PDIx), the productive rate risk index (PRx), and the efficient land use index (ELUIx) for farming systems (crop plants [p] and animal rearing [a]). Results indicate that the main limiting factors for farming are the flooding characteristics of Gleysols, high salinity, and contamination by hydrocarbons, and that these were related to higher values of PRa,p, which were recorded from zones with elevated density of oil facilities. High PDIa,p and ELUIa,p values were found in zones without oil facilities that had a greater production of crops and pastures and lower associated risk factors that are related to the presence of oil wells or soil contamination by TPH, but also to related secondary effects. These results allowed a comparison of potential risk assessment in areas with similar ecosystems, differentiating the diversity and the efficiency of productive land use related to polluted zones
APORTE CUANTITATIVO DE LAS FUENTES DE PM10 Y PM2.5 EN SITIOS URBANOS DEL VALLE DEL MANTARO, PERÚ
Get PDFParticulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) is responsible for serious human health problems. Therefore, this study determines the quantitative contribution of the sources of both particles at main cities of Mantaro Valley, located in central Peru. The obtained data in the monthly monitoring campaign of urban sites of Jauja, Concepción and Huancayo, from July 2007 to October 2008 are analyzed. A low-volume sampler (Partisol model) was used for monitoring. Elemental chemical composition was obtained by X-ray fluorescence, and principal component analysis with varimax rotation and absolute principal component analysis were applied. Chemical element groupings were contrasted with enrichment factor and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results showed that PM10 and PM2.5 were significantly higher in Huancayo (p < 0.05), urban area where the National Air Quality Standards for both particle sizes were exceeded. Natural and anthropogenic source tracers were determined. In total, five emission sources were detected for the urban sites of the Mantaro Valley: soil dust (Al, Ca, Si, Fe, Ti, Mn and K), biomass burning (Cl, Br, K), vehicles (Cu, Zn, Cl, Cr), fuel-oil (Ni) and smelting (Pb, Zn, As and Cu), being soil dust the main source of PM10 and PM2.5.Las partículas atmosféricas (PM10 y PM2.5) son responsables de serios problemas en la salud humana. Por ello, este estudio determina el aporte cuantitativo de las fuentes de ambos tipos de partículas en las principales ciudades del Valle del Mantaro, ubicadas en la parte central del Perú. Se analizan los datos obtenidos en la campaña de monitoreo mensual de los centros urbanos de Jauja, Concepción y Huancayo, desde julio de 2007 hasta octubre de 2008. Para el monitoreo se empleó un muestreador de bajo volumen (modelo Partisol). La composición química elemental fue obtenida por fluorescencia de rayos X y se les aplicó el análisis de componentes principales con rotación varimax y análisis de componentes principales absoluto. Los agrupamientos de los elementos químicos fueron contrastados con el factor de enriquecimiento y análisis de conglomerados jerárquico. Los resultados mostraron que las PM10 y PM2.5 fueron significativamente mayores en Huancayo (p < 0.05), zona urbana donde se superó el Estándar de Calidad Ambiental para Aire (ECA) de la legislación peruana, para ambos tamaños de partículas. Se determinaron trazadores de fuentes naturales y antrópicas. En total se detectaron cinco fuentes de emisión para los sitios urbanos del Valle del Mantaro: polvo del suelo (Al, Ca, Si, Fe, Ti, Mn y K), quema de biomasa (Cl, Br, K), vehículos (Cu, Zn, Cl, Cr), combustible-aceite (Ni) y fundición (Pb, Zn, As y Cu), siendo el polvo del suelo la principal fuente de aporte de PM10 y PM2.5
ESTUDIO ESPACIAL DEL CARBONO ELEMENTAL PRESENTE EN LA FRACCIÓN RESPIRABLE DE LAS PM2.5 MEDIANTE ESPECTROMETRÍA DE RETRODISPERSIÓN DE RUTHERFORD EN LA ZONA METROPOLITANA DEL VALLE DE TOLUCA
Get PDFCarbon originates compounds that are characterized by having atoms linked to other elements in their structure, such as oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. Many of them are very useful for living beings; however, others such as monoxide and carbon dioxide are considered of high risk for the populations that inhale them, in addition to their impact on climate change. Therefore, monitoring carbon concentrations in the atmosphere is vital. This research aims to determine the presence and concentration of elemental carbon in suspended particles with aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 2.5 µm by means of the backscattering technique of Rutherford. For this, 10 samples were collected at six sites in the Toluca Valley Metropolitan Area during the sampling campaign (November 2016-November 2017) and analyzed with the Van de Graaff tandem accelerator. A proton beam was used, with energy of 2.5 MeV, which collided elastically with the atoms in the sample (target), being dispersed at a certain angle and at an energy, characterizing the mass of the dispersing center. The particles thus dispersed were registered by a surface barrier detector, obtaining an energy spectrum. The spectrum analysis was done with the SIMNRA software.El carbono origina compuestos que se caracterizan por tener en su estructura átomos enlazados a otros elementos como oxígeno, hidrógeno y nitrógeno. Muchos de ellos son de gran utilidad para los seres vivos; sin embargo, otros como el monóxido y el bióxido de carbono son considerados de alto riesgo para las poblaciones que los inhalan, además de su impacto en el cambio climático. Por ello la vigilancia de las concentraciones de carbono en la atmósfera es vital. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar la presencia y concentración del carbono elemental en las partículas suspendidas con diámetro aerodinámico igual o menor que 2.5 µm por medio de la técnica de espectrometría de retrodispersión de Rutherford (RBS, por sus siglas en inglés). Durante la campaña de muestreo (noviembre 2016-noviembre 2017) se recolectaron 10 muestras en seis sitios de la Zona Metropolitana del Valle de Toluca y se analizaron con el acelerador tándem Van de Graaff. Se utilizó un haz de protones con energía de 2.5 MeV, el cual colisionó elásticamente con los átomos de la muestra (blanco), los cuales fueron dispersados a cierto ángulo y energía, caracterizando a la masa del centro dispersor. Las partículas así dispersadas fueron registradas por un detector de barrera superficial, obteniéndose un espectro de energía. El análisis de los espectros se realizó con el programa SIMNRA
ANALYSIS OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) IN SOIL OF MANGROVE FOREST OF THE VENEZUELAN CARIBBEAN COAST
Get PDFIn order to identify the levels of contamination of mangrove soils by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), their concentration was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in the fraction of aromatic hydrocarbons obtained from soluble organic matter (SOM). Soils are located in Cuare Inlet and Morrocoy National Park from Venezuela, and samples were collected in Punta La Matica (PLM) and Tucacas Bay (ETU) respectively. Naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthalene, benzo(ghi)perylene, dibenzo(ah)anthracene and indene have concentrations lower than the detection threshold for the technique employed (≤ 20 ng/g). Fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene present concentrations ranging from 24 to 967 ng/g, and in some cases were not detected (≤ 20 ng/g). The PAHs concentration are classified in a pollution level from moderate to high in ETU and low in PLM. These results indicate a major anthropogenic pollution level of soils from ETU in relation to PLM soils. Based on the fact that the PAHs detected are not substituted and dominate the 3- and 4-rings, three diagnostic ratios to identify the contamination source were calculated: [anthracene/(anthracene+phenanthrene), fluoranthene/(fluoranthene+pyrene); and benzo(a)anthracene/(benzo(a)anthracene+chrysene)]; these ratios suggest a source from combustion of organic matter. Additionally, the normalization of total PAHs related to total organic carbon (TOC) or SOM represents a linear relationship between total PAHs with PAH/TOC and PAH/SOM, and suggests that the PAHs detected are from the same source, that is, the combustion of organic matter from anthropogenic activity or natural fires.In order to identify the levels of contamination of mangrove soils by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), their concentration was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in the fraction of aromatic hydrocarbons obtained from soluble organic matter (SOM). Soils are located in Cuare Inlet and Morrocoy National Park from Venezuela, and samples were collected in Punta La Matica (PLM) and Tucacas Bay (ETU) respectively. Naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthalene, benzo(ghi)perylene, dibenzo(ah)anthracene and indene have concentrations lower than the detection threshold for the technique employed (≤ 20 ng/g). Fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene present concentrations ranging from 24 to 967 ng/g, and in some cases were not detected (≤ 20 ng/g). The PAHs concentration are classified in a pollution level from moderate to high in ETU and low in PLM. These results indicate a major anthropogenic pollution level of soils from ETU in relation to PLM soils. Based on the fact that the PAHs detected are not substituted and dominate the 3- and 4-rings, three diagnostic ratios to identify the contamination source were calculated: [anthracene/(anthracene+phenanthrene), fluoranthene/(fluoranthene+pyrene); and benzo(a)anthracene/(benzo(a)anthracene+chrysene)]; these ratios suggest a source from combustion of organic matter. Additionally, the normalization of total PAHs related to total organic carbon (TOC) or SOM represents a linear relationship between total PAHs with PAH/TOC and PAH/SOM, and suggests that the PAHs detected are from the same source, that is, the combustion of organic matter from anthropogenic activity or natural fires
SORPTION AND LEACHING OF METALS IN THE SOIL DUE TO APPLICATION OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER
Get PDFAgriculture is one of the most important nonpoint sources of soil contamination by heavy metals, and the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soil can influence the movement of metals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of DOM on the sorption and leaching of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the soil. Clay soil samples collected at a 0-30 cm depth were used to conduct the experiments, and DOM was extracted from dairy cow manure. Soil tests to evaluaye sorption were carried out in the batch method, two treatments being considered: without the presence of DOM (control) and with the presence of DOM, in different concentrations of Cu and Zn. Experimental results were adjusted to models of the of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. In the leaching experiment, columns were filled with soil previously contaminated with Cu and Zn and the distilled water was passed through them; afterwards, the leachate was collected. The sorption of copper and zinc in the soil was greater in the presence of DOM, possibly by the availability of sorption sites and interactions of metals with the DOM structure. The leaching of copper in soil was facilitated by the application of DOM, which can enable large-scale contamination of groundwater. No differences were found in zinc leaching considering water or DOM, however this metal has high mobility in the soil under study. Agriculture is one of the most important nonpoint sources of soil contamination by heavy metals, and the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soil can influence the movement of metals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of DOM on the sorption and leaching of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the soil. Clay soil samples collected at a 0-30 cm depth were used to conduct the experiments, and DOM was extracted from dairy cow manure. Soil tests to evaluaye sorption were carried out in the batch method, two treatments being considered: without the presence of DOM (control) and with the presence of DOM, in different concentrations of Cu and Zn. Experimental results were adjusted to models of the of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. In the leaching experiment, columns were filled with soil previously contaminated with Cu and Zn and the distilled water was passed through them; afterwards, the leachate was collected. The sorption of copper and zinc in the soil was greater in the presence of DOM, possibly by the availability of sorption sites and interactions of metals with the DOM structure. The leaching of copper in soil was facilitated by the application of DOM, which can enable large-scale contamination of groundwater. No differences were found in zinc leaching considering water or DOM, however this metal has high mobility in the soil under study.
MOVILIDAD DE ARSÉNICO EN LOS SEDIMENTOS DE UNA PRESA QUE RECIBE ESCURRIMIENTOS DE MINAS EPITERMALES
Get PDFThe objective of this work was to quantify As, Pb, Fe and Mn in the mineral phases of recent sediments in a dam that receives runoffs from abandoned mines and to propose scenarios of retention and release of As in and from the reservoir. The Santana dam (SD) is located at the exit of a basin with three reservoirs in cascade in the municipality of Guanajuato. The four samples analyzed were collected at a depth of 0.1 m along a topographic-geochemical transect inside the SD. A protocol of sequential extractions of seven steps was applied considering the reactivity and mobility, in order to know the elemental contents in the different mineral phases and the potential translocations between them. The extracts of each fraction as well as an acid digestion of each sample were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission. Images were generated by scanning electron microscopy of a sample collected in the curtain. The total elemental content in sediments yielded the following values (in mg kg–1): As, 25.11 to 28.80; Pb, 0.64 to 2.83; Mn, 562.3 to 862.3; Fe, 51 276.3 to 79 820.5. From the entrance and towards the curtain, As decreases in the fraction of crystalline oxides; in contrast, it increases in the exchangeable fraction of amorphous oxides and sulphides. The concentration of iron increases in the exchangeable fraction of amorphous oxides and sulphides. Manganese accumulates near the curtain, mainly in the fractions of amorphous and crystalline oxides.Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo cuantificar As, Pb, Fe y Mn en las fases minerales de sedimentos recientes en una presa que recibe escurrimientos de minas abandonadas y plantear escenarios de retención y liberación de As en y desde el reservorio. La presa Santana (PS) se encuentra a la salida de una cuenca con tres embalses en cascada en el municipio de Guanajuato. Las cuatro muestras analizadas se recolectaron a 0.1 m de profundidad a lo largo de un transecto topográfico-geoquímico al interior de la PS. Se aplicó un protocolo de extracciones secuenciales de siete pasos considerando la reactividad y movilidad, para conocer de este modo los contenidos elementales en las distintas fases minerales y la potencial translocación entre ellas. Los extractos de cada fracción, así como una digestión ácida de cada muestra, se analizaron mediante masa de plasma acoplada inductivamente y emisión atómica plasmática acoplada inductivamente. Se generaron imágenes mediante microscopia electrónica de barrido de una muestra recolectada en la cortina. El contenido elemental total de sedimentos arrojó los siguientes valores (en mg kg–1): As, 25.11 a 28.80; Pb, 0.64 a 2.83; Mn, 562.3 a 862.3; Fe, 51 276.3 a 79 820.5. Desde la entrada y hacia la cortina, el As disminuye en la fracción de óxidos cristalinos; en contraste, se incrementa en la fracción intercambiable de óxidos amorfos y sulfuros. La concentración de Fe aumenta en la fracción intercambiable de óxidos amorfos y de sulfuros. El Mn se acumula cerca de la cortina, principalmente en fracciones de óxidos amorfos y cristalinos
COMPARATIVE DISSIPATION OF ANTHRACENE AND PHENANTHRENE IN A PRISTINE TYPIC HAPLUDOLL SOIL
Get PDFPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of great environmental concern due to their widespread occurrence and persistence. Anthracene and phenanthrene (C14H10) are two priority pollutants that are found in high concentrations in PAHs-contaminated surface soils. The objective of this study was to analyze the capability of endogenous soil microorganisms of a pristine soil of the Pampas region, Argentina, to dissipate two isomers: anthracene and phenanthrene. Nutrient availability and the effects of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) on these PAHs´ dissipation were also evaluated. After 100 days, both contaminants were significantly degraded in root-free soils by autochthonous microorganisms. L. perenne significantly enhanced microbial degradation. The dissipation of both pollutants in the rhizosphere was accompanied by higher values of total bacteria counts at the end of the experimental period. No biostimulation effect was observed. In all cases, the dissipation of phenanthrene was significantly higher than anthracene. These results point to the important role of indigenous PAH degrading microorganisms, even present in a non-polluted soil. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of great environmental concern due to their widespread occurrence and persistence. Anthracene and phenanthrene (C14H10) are two priority pollutants that are found in high concentrations in PAHs-contaminated surface soils. The objective of this study was to analyze the capability of endogenous soil microorganisms of a pristine soil of the Pampas region, Argentina, to dissipate two isomers: anthracene and phenanthrene. Nutrient availability and the effects of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) on these PAHs´ dissipation were also evaluated. After 100 days, both contaminants were significantly degraded in root-free soils by autochthonous microorganisms. L. perenne significantly enhanced microbial degradation. The dissipation of both pollutants in the rhizosphere was accompanied by higher values of total bacteria counts at the end of the experimental period. No biostimulation effect was observed. In all cases, the dissipation of phenanthrene was significantly higher than anthracene. These results point to the important role of indigenous PAH degrading microorganisms, even present in a non-polluted soil.
RADIACIÓN ELECTROMAGNÉTICA, LEUCEMIA INFANTIL Y REGULACIÓN
Get PDFSince 2002, the World Health Organization has recognized non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NIR) in the extremely low frequency range (ELF) to constitute a health risk and has placed human exposure to ELF within the group 2B as a possible human carcinogen. Subsequently, in 2011, radio frequencies (RF) used in wireless telecommunications were added to this classification. As a result, there was a worldwide increase in scientific, social and government activities to study these emissions and find preventive measures to reduce exposure to the general population. Mexico, faced with this scenario, has the opportunity to update and generate new Official Mexican Standards (NOM), which would allow, on one hand, the regulation of the maximum permitted levels of NIR and, on the other hand, to monitor and control their health effects. This article addresses the characteristics of NIR, analyzes the international and national environmental regulatory framework, presents the results obtained from the measurement of NIR in ELF and intra-domiciliary RF of pediatric patients with acute leukemia in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara and finally, it proposes a series of recommendations and actions.Desde 2002 se ha reconocido que la exposición a la radiación electromagnética no ionizante (RNI) en el rango de las frecuencias extremadamente bajas (FEB) constituye un riesgo para la salud. La Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Agencia Internacional para la Investigación sobre el Cáncer clasificaron su exposición en humanos dentro del grupo 2B como posible carcinógeno. Posteriormente, en 2011 se agregó a esta clasificación a las radiofrecuencias (RF), incluyendo las microondas ampliamente utilizadas en la oferta de servicios inalámbricos. Como consecuencia de ello, hubo un incremento a nivel mundial de actividades científicas, sociales y de gobierno para estudiar estas emisiones y encontrar medidas preventivas que permitieran reducir este factor de riesgo a la salud mediante políticas de baja exposición en la población en general. En este escenario, México tiene la oportunidad de actualizar y generar nuevas normas oficiales mexicanas que propicien por una parte regular los niveles máximos permitidos de exposición a RNI y, por la otra, realizar vigilancia y control de los efectos a la salud. El presente artículo aborda las características de las RNI, analiza el marco regulatorio internacional y nacional, presenta los resultados obtenidos de la medición de RNI intradomiciliarias en el rango de FEB y RF de pacientes pediátricos con leucemia aguda en el área metropolitana de Guadalajara; por último, propone una serie de recomendaciones y acciones.