Results of the second pilot study, in Nevada County, on health risks from living near abandoned gold mines are now out. And they’re similar to the first study. The Sierra Streams Institute has been partnering with the Cancer Prevention Institute of California to measure and compare the amounts of cadmium and arsenic in women. And, so far, levels are not considered hazardous to health. One of the researchers, geologist Katy Janes, says a total of 98 women have now participated. But for this study, 32 also had a history of breast cancer…
Janes says the latest study also shows, once again, higher-than-average soil arsenic levels in the homes of participants who’ve had breast cancer. Soil, dust, and water samples are also taken from the homes. So far, there is still no quantifiable link between mining contaminants and the county’s high breast cancer rate. The Sierra Streams Institute continues cleanup efforts near the abandoned mines. But Janes says they are also trying to limit exposure in other ways…
Janes says a larger, more in-depth study, that will also include 8 other gold country counties, is expected to begin in the next year or so, depending on funding availability.
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