We're pleased to share that our research on mining pollution and children's cognitive development in Cerro de Pasco, Peru, has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The study, co-authored by our Director Flaviano Bianchini and accessible here, is the result of five years of field work in one of Peru's most heavily mined regions.
Between 2016 and 2021, we worked with communities in Cerro de Pasco, collecting data from 98 children aged 6-16. We compared children living in Paragsha, just 400 meters from an open-pit mine with peers from Carhuamayo, a town 35 kilometers away with similar characteristics but no mining exposure. We used hair sample analysis to measure heavy metal concentrations and standardized cognitive assessments to evaluate IQ and neurocognitive development.
The differences between exposed and non-exposed children were stark.
In terms of cognitive performance, children exposed to mining pollution scored an average of 82.5 on IQ tests, compared to 94.8 for non-exposed children, a gap of 12.3 points. Only 59% of exposed children scored above Peru's national average, versus 94% of non-exposed children. More than one-third of exposed children fell into low or very low IQ ranges.
In terms of heavy metal concentrations, hair sample analysis showed concerning levels of toxic metals in exposed children:
Morevoer, we found clear correlations between concentrations of lead, arsenic, cadmium, manganese, and antimony and reduced IQ scores.
Our longitudinal monitoring from 2016 to 2021 revealed a concerning pattern. While some metal concentrations decreased between 2018 and 2021, most 2021 levels were still higher than in 2016. This suggests ongoing contamination from active mining operations.
These numbers represent real children facing real challenges. Lower IQ scores translate to difficulties in school, problems with memory and learning, and reduced future opportunities.
Beyond cognitive impacts, we documented higher rates of stress (68% of exposed children), irritability (28%), and various health problems. Many families depend on water sources that may be contaminated, and children are exposed to environmental pollution daily.
One practical outcome of this research: hair sample analysis provides a simple, non-invasive way to monitor children's exposure to heavy metals. Health authorities can use this method to identify at-risk populations and target interventions effectively.
The findings point to several urgent needs:
We undertook this research because we believe evidence should guide action. The data we've collected over several years can inform policy decisions and intervention programs, not just in Cerro de Pasco, but in similar communities facing environmental health challenges. Every child deserves the chance to develop their full potential without the burden of environmental contamination. We hope this research contributes to making that possible.
