Human exposure to uranium in South African gold mining areas using barber-based hair sampling

A new study by scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in collaboration with researchers in Germany and South Africa, examined human exposure to uranium in gold mining areas in South Africa. The study was published today in the journal PLoS One.

Measurements in water, soil, and food of uranium related to gold mining activities in populated areas of Gauteng Province, South Africa, suggest the possibility of human exposure to concentrations that may lead to adverse health consequences, including cancer.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to measure human exposure to uranium using hair samples collected from barber shops with clients representative of the local populations of different wards (small administrative units).

Winde F, Geipel G, Espina C, Schüz J.
Human exposure to uranium in South African gold mining areas using barber-based hair sampling
PLoS One, Published online 27 June 2019;
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219059

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