The influence of Kostomuksha mining plant on human environment in the boundary region

Closed

The mining centre of Kostomuksha is one of the worst air polluters in the proximity of Finland. The sulphur emissions of Kostomuksha make up about a third of the sulphur emission of Finland as a whole. Already at the start of the 1990s, increased metal concentrations were observed in moss samples taken from the Kuhmo area. On the other hand, there has been no research on the atmospheric emissions of small particle and Polycyclic Aromatic Carbohydrate combinations. There was also need for research information on the transmission of the aforementioned substances to the ground and water system and subsequently to food products for humans. It is estimated that atmospheric small particles cause as many premature fatalities in Finland every year as traffic accidents; the toxicity of heavy metal compounds has been known for a long time. Polycyclic Aromatic Carbohydrate combinations, on the other hand, are carcinogenic. Wild berries and mushrooms have through the ages been an important part of the business and food industries of Kainuu and Russian Karelia. Collecting wild produce has increased further over the past years also in Russia, and berry retailers, among others, have purchased significant amounts of berries from Kostomuksha. It is of utmost importance to ensure that natural produce contains as few heavy metal compounds as possible, thereby guaranteeing the health and well being of the local population in the future as well. The purpose of the project was to track the atmospheric transmission of the said emissions, particularly of small particles, heavy metal compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Carbohydrate combinations, across the border to Kainuu and the effects of the emissions on humans and the nature of the border areas.

Medium