Heavy metal pollution and children morbidity rate in the Rejowiec Fabryczny area.

Abstract

The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn) were analyzed in the soils of the Rejowiec Fabryczny area. The levels of these metals were also measured in the raw materials used in cement production, in cement itself, and in dust removed by electrofilters mounted over the clinker kilns. Morbidity rates were also analyzed of children up to 6 years of age examined and treated in the local ambulatory medical center in Rejowiec Fabryczny in 1982 and 2002. The soils of the Rejowiec Fabryczny area showed elevated levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu, comparing to the reference values. Installation of electrofilters in the cement plant resulted in a considerable reduction of Pb and Cd discharge. It was observed that the frequency of respiratory disorders in children from the Rejowiec Fabryczny area was higher comparing to other regions. Over the last 20 years, the frequency of allergies and asthma increased.