Researchers have measured uranium concentrations in residential soil and in children’s hair samples to evaluate environmental contamination linked with mining activities. The findings raise concerns about potential health risks to children residing near mining sites.
Uranium mines like this one pose a risk to nearby civilians. Image Credit: Photoholgic/Shutterstock.com
The study, published in Environmental Geochemistry and Health, examined uranium exposure among children living near gold mine tailings in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal, primarily found in isotopes 234U, 235U, and 238U. Its use in energy production and military applications, along with extensive mining activities, contributes to environmental contamination in surrounding areas.
Mine tailings, the waste materials left after mineral extraction, often contain higher concentrations of uranium and other toxic metals. Dust from these tailings can spread radionuclides into nearby communities, increasing the risk of exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies and higher likelihood of contact with contaminated soil and dust.
Methodological Approach to Data Collection
Researchers conducted a comparative cross-sectional study over 11 months, beginning in January 2022, involving 406 children aged 0-18 years. Among them, 208 participants were from Johannesburg, where communities live near gold mine tailings, and 198 from Durban, a reference site without mining exposure.
Data collection included hair and soil sampling, questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements. Hair samples were cut from the nape of the neck using stainless steel scissors to minimize contamination. Similarly, soil samples were collected from residential areas, with paved surfaces cleaned before sampling to ensure accuracy.
Uranium concentrations in both hair and soil samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following standardized protocols. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, obtained parental consent from all participants, and received approval from the South African Medical Research Council’s Human Research Ethics Committee. This structured methodology ensured a reliable assessment of environmental contamination and its potential impact on children living near mining sites.
Significant Findings on Uranium Levels in Hair and Soil
The results showed clear disparities in uranium exposure between the two groups. Children living near gold mine tailings in Johannesburg exhibited a median hair uranium concentration of 17.07 µg/kg, significantly higher than the 8.12 µg/kg observed in the reference group from Durban (p < 0.001).
Exposure patterns varied by age and sex; girls demonstrated higher median concentrations (18.83 µg/kg) than boys (7.92 µg/kg), and younger children, particularly those not yet attending school, recorded the highest levels at 18.67 µg/kg.
Soil analysis further supported evidence of environmental contamination, with median uranium concentrations measuring 1351.49 µg/kg in exposed residential areas compared to 1239.87 µg/kg in the reference location. The study also highlighted socioeconomic factors that intensified exposure risks, noting that many households in the exposed community relied solely on social grants. This economic vulnerability limits affected families’ capacity to mitigate exposure, increasing the potential health risks to children.
Implications for Public Health and Environmental Policy
This research highlights the urgent need for environmental mitigation strategies and targeted public health interventions in communities affected by mining activities.
Elevated uranium levels detected in children’s hair samples serve as important biomarkers of exposure and indicate potential long-term health risks. The findings highlight the need to increase community awareness of uranium exposure and to implement measures to reduce contact with contaminated soil and dust.
Regular monitoring of uranium concentrations in both environmental sources and biological samples is essential to identify at-risk populations and guide timely intervention.
Policymakers must consider the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of affected communities and ensure access to healthcare services, exposure prevention programs, and environmental remediation efforts.
Overall, this study emphasizes that protecting children and other vulnerable populations requires coordinated action combining public health initiatives, environmental regulation, and sustained monitoring systems.
Future Directions and Conclusion
This study highlights the serious health risks associated with uranium exposure in mining regions, particularly among children living near gold mine tailings.
The differences in uranium concentrations between exposed and reference groups emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies to reduce environmental exposure.
Strict environmental regulations, improved monitoring systems, and sustainable mining practices that prioritize community safety are essential. Future work should examine the long-term health effects of uranium exposure through longitudinal studies and further investigate biological factors, including age- and gender-related differences in accumulation.
Incorporating community perspectives and policy development will also be key for designing practical interventions.
Overall, this research reinforces the importance of coordinated action among researchers, policymakers, health professionals, and mining stakeholders to safeguard vulnerable populations and promote responsible resource management.
Journal Reference
Shezi, B., et al. (2025). Uranium concentration in children’s hair samples and residential soil samples near mine tailings facilities, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 47(562). DOI: 10.1007/s10653-025-02874-2, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10653-025-02874-2
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.