1.Environmental and Occupational Health Impact of Bauxite Mining in Malaysia: A Review
Lee KYa, Ho LY ; Tan KH ; Tham YY ; Ling SP ; Qureshi AM ; Ponnudurai T ; Nordin R ; Jeffrey Cheah
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2017;16(2):137-150
In the perspective of recent bauxite mining in Malaysia, this review aims to identify the potential
environmental and health impacts on miners and surrounding communities. The environmental issues of
bauxite mining include, air, water and soil pollution due to bauxite dust; leaching of bauxite into water
sources resulting in reduced soil fertility as well as affecting agricultural food products and aquatic life.
Bauxite occupational exposure affects the health of miners, and has negative consequences on the health of
surrounding communities, such as increased respiratory symptoms, contamination of drinking water, other
potential health risks from ingestion of bauxite and heavy metals, including noise-induced hearing loss and
mental stress. This review discusses the processes of bauxite mining, its constituents and residual trace
elements, and their impact on the environment and health of exposed workers and communities. It also
explores the Malaysian legal requirements and standards of occupational exposure to bauxite.
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