Jamaica: Heavy Metals in the Natural and Anthropic Environments

Abstract

Soil is the basis of terrestrial life and contains a large number of biologically active elements. Although some are essential to life, others like heavy metals are hazardous even at low concentrations. Many Jamaican soils contain relatively high concentrations of heavy metals associated to a large extent with terra rossa and bauxitic soils. Among these elements are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Arsenic is not considered to be an environmental problem under the present conditions of land use. Although the concentrations of cadmium in some soils are extraordinarily high, there is no evidence, as noted in epidemiological studies, that there are medical problems caused by cadmium ingestion. However, the extraordinarily high levels require continued surveillance. Toxicity from naturally occurring lead is unlikely to be of concern except in the Hope River Valley, where very high concentrations occur. These concentrations are also reflected in the blood lead levels of schoolchildren and the levels are high enough so that mitigation is necessary to prevent developmental and pathological problems. Despite the high concentrations of heavy metals in soils in Jamaica, the corresponding levels in the freshwater environment are relatively low. However, the bioaccumulation in some foods and potential for exposure in tobacco products are of concern and warrant further investigation.