Module 4: Metals And The Lung - Lecture (Continued)

RESPIRATORY TRACT CANCER:

An increased risk of lung cancer occurs in miners of radioactive metals, the most notable being uranium (as at Rossing Uranium in Namibia). Radioactive decay of uranium produces a radioactive gas called radon. Radon "daughters" (or radon "progeny") are fine solid particles which result from the radioactive decay of radon gas, and are hazardous because of the alpha radiation, or alpha particles. Both radon gas and radon daughters are invisible and odourless. Radon may contribute to the lung cancer risk in uranium mining as well as in other types of underground mining such as iron mining.

Other carcinogenic metals are arsenic, nickel and salts of chromium VI (Cr⁶⁺).

Nickel refining is associated with cancer of the nasal sinuses and lung. The main chromate lung cancer risk has been described in chromate and chrome pigment production, but may also occur in welding and electroplating.

Arsenic is smelted from a polymetallic ore where it is found with copper. An increased lung cancer risk is found in this setting as well in the manufacture and spraying of arsenical pesticides.