DEPARTMENT OF Zoology

Executive Summary

The radiation emitting sands on the Kerala coastal areas have attracted the attention of scientists the world over. WHO expert committee reported in 1957 that Chavara Neendakara belt in Karunagappally thaluk of Kollam district is best suited for epidemiological studies of high natural back ground radiation. The external radiation exposure in the region was caused by β and γ radiation from natural Uranium-Thorium contained in the black Monozite sand and β and γ radiation from Radon, Thoron and their decay products in air. The presence of Rare Earth Factory which conducts extensive mining operations and soil-mineral separation, is posing severe threat.Of the estimated 80 lakh population in the coastal region, 10% lived in areas with high natural radiation which is reported as a prime risk factor in eye disorders, cancers and related genetic disorders from studies conducted in various other regions of the world and also from experimental studies. Hence the proposed project work in the study area is of great significance as far as the health of the residents is concerned.

The study involves survey of population of the study area for ecological and Health hazards and along the mineral sand mining regions. Information on ecological issues, diseases, socio-demographic features, occupation, housing, residence history was obtained by house-to-house visits and enumeration of every resident individual using the questionnaire method. All houses in Alappad Panchayath ward 15 and 16 and all wards in Neendakara panchayath were selected for the study. The study population is divided into nine age groups for males and females starting from age group 0-10 years old to 81 years and above. Studies revealed that high natural back ground radiation in the study region don’t produce any increase in cancer, cataract or other genetic anomalies. The earlier studies conducted in this area, including cytogenetic investigation on newborns and adults for chromosomal aberrations, monitoring the newborns for congenital malformations and genetic disorders, by the medical team of BARC also observed similar findings; but shows the prevalence of late onset of diseases such as blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes etc.

 In conclusion, the high level natural background radiation prevailing in Kerala coast has no significant effect on cancer, cataract and other genetic abnormalities, which is in, agreement with other studies conducted so far. Refilling of mined areas with silt and gravel may reduce the effect of back ground radiation and but can promote soil erosion. Ecological problems caused by mining such as water and soil pollution with iron and chlorine and also trace metals, sea water intrusion which may affect ground water and safe drinking water and vegetation of the coastal region, increased beach erosion and coastal erosion, disappearance of mud banks and disruption of amphibian and fish and bird nesting ground are some other effects of coastal black sand mining. Cultivation of mangroves which can form an eco-friendly sea wall is the best method to conserve shore instead of building artificial walls.