March 12, 2009 -- Lead and cadmium found in the hair of wildlife are revealing they are at higher risk from heavy metal pollution than humans, say experts. Christopher McLean of the University of Wollongong in Australia and colleagues report their study of Australian wildlife in the vicinity of a former lead/zinc smelter, in the journal Science of the Total Environment. "These two metals accumulate in the hair of animals," said McLean, who did the research while at the University of Newcastle, also in Australia. McLean said humans are typically exposed to lead and cadmium pollution via the air, especially around sources like smelters. Related Content:
In the early 1990s, children around a smelter in the Newcastle suburb of Boolaroo were found to have elevated lead levels. The smelter, which was operated by Pasminco Limited, closed down in 2003. Much of the contamination from the smelter has since been cleaned up, but McLean said some areas remain polluted. Lead levels in children were monitored until 2006, which showed that the levels decreased as the air cleared. Although at last count, four percent of under 13-year-olds and seven percent of under 5-year-olds still had elevated levels. But, said McLean, heavy metals have accumulated in the environment and animals, which are more likely than humans to feed off plants and insects, remain at risk. Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
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