Revistazo October 2003

The environmental organization Mother Earth, led by Doctor Juan Almendares Bonilla, presented the results of a scientific study of the health problems linked to the mine suffered by the residents of the Siria Valley. This is a summary of the results. The entire study Investigación Científica sobre Salud y Ambiente en el Valle de Siria is available in Spanish.

This study looked at two aspects of the situation in the Siria Valley: 1) the community's perception of the impact of the mine on residents' quality of life, social conditions and health; and 2) the clinical findings that strongly indicate the effects of environmental contamination.

The tables presented tell us that the majority of the population studied believed that the supply and quality of water has deteriorated. The information about household incomes indicates that poverty has increased in the Valley. Therefore the presence of the mine has not improved the socioeconomic condition of the community and has damaged the people's health.

The health problems can be linked to a multiplicity of factors attacking the immune and neurological systems with most of the effects being seen in the skin, eyes, respiratory system and neurological system.

The multiple causes produce a syndrome with multiple symptoms that effects the total health of all living things in the ecosystem. All biological elements (living things) and non-living elements (rocks and minerals) have been effected. The social community conditions have also been effected.

The material and spiritual life of the local farmers, their livestock and crops has been transformed by the destruction of the forest (deforestation and the loss of biodiversity) and the desertification of the land. Water needed by plants, animals and humans is used in the process of extracting gold and metals with a diluted cyanide wash. The noise from the explosions not only destroys the quiet and tranquillity of the natural scene but also has the potential to cause illness in birds, insects and humans (deafness, hypertension, stress).

The destruction of the forests and mountains has forced animals to migrate, changing the ecosystem and the immune environment, the protective mechanisms that exist in all life and whose interactions affect humans.

Effects on the immune system logically produce allergic phenomena, inflammations and infections that did not exist before or existed on a smaller scale; these effects are exacerbated by poverty and exposure to water, air and dirt contaminated by heavy metals and organic materials.

Micro organism, animals and plants migrate, become ill or die. Some species cannot find adequate environments or food sources. Human bodies are subject to a proliferation of funguses, bacteria and viruses.

One of the most frequent problems are dermatological like eczema, persistent rashes, scabbing, bacterial and fungal infections and hair loss.

Rashes were found in the population in both generalized and localized forms on the skin and mucous membranes. It is associated with insomnia, anxiety and depression. Tumorous formations were found in the mouth of one girl but more investigation is needed to determine if they are associated with environmental contamination.

Deterioration of the environment and the quality of the water is evident. People feel despairing to live in this inhospitable environment, which has been stripped of its natural beauty.

Tables

This table shows the incidence of dermatological problems increased substantially from 12% in 2001 to 98% in 2003. The skin seems to be the organ most affected, which implicate external contact with water or dust or could indicate internal damage that merits more study. The data from 2002 is included although the study surveyed 23 families. Nonetheless, it indicates that the quantitative and qualitative data correspond to the same health problem despite the different methodology.

Respiratory pathologies are not as common as dermatological pathologies, but they are significant. This could be affected by the time of year or the discomfort of the dermatological problems could dominate the attention of those surveyed and their doctors.

An increase in the incidence of insomnia, stress and anxiety is shown, possibly caused by the intense discomfort of dermatological problems, environmental destruction and the fear of developing further diseases. Mental health is being studied.

94% of respondents agree that there has been an increase in illness due to the mine.

A survey of 23 families found that 74% reported problems in obtaining water. The extraction of gold by the application of a diluted cyanide wash required enormous quantities of water and the mine's water use has reduced the supply of water to the population for domestic and farming use. This has repercussions for the nutrition and hygiene.

91% of respondents reported perceived changes in the water that are consistent with data from previous years.

Only 3% of those surveyed are indifferent to the continued operation of the mine. The majority of respondents wanted the mine closed for health and environmental reasons

1. Grave health conditions exist among the population of the Siria Valley that should be attended immediately. The environmental contamination must be halted to prevent the further deterioration of the quality of life of the residents and the quality and quantity of water.

2. Clause 10 of the mining concession signed by the Honduran Government applies; the clause provides for the termination of the contract in the case of damage to the environment or the public health.

3. Studies of mental health in the Valley should be continued. A study should be done of heavy metals in the Valley.

4. The communities in the Siria Valley, the Honduran government and the national and international community should be informed of these results.