Effect of mining activities on birth defects in Armenia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the results of the Demographics and Health survey jointly conducted by National Statistical Service of Armenia, Ministry of Health of Armenia and the DHS Program to identify the effect of mining on the health of population. Mining activities are considered to cause lung, neurotoxic, dermatological, reproduction disorders, poisoning, psychological conditions, etc. The mining industry is the main sector in the Armenian industry. In 2017, it accounted for about 30% exports of the country. According to reports, there are around 670 mines on the territory of Armenia, out of which around 400 are currently being exploited. The largest of these mines are located in Kajaran, Agarak, Akhtala, Sotk, Teghut. According to Head of Center’s Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, 57% of the population of Yerevan lives in contaminated conditions due to ground pollution caused by mining activities (Hetq, 2011). This pollution is becoming a part of the human food chain either through the irrigation water which delivers the contaminants to the herbs and vegetables or directly through the potable water. The DHS survey was being conducted in Armenia starting from 2000 and includes multiple questions related to housing conditions and household population, marriage and sexual activity, fertility, health records, etc. The survey also provides slightly modified locations of the respondents. In this paper, I will filter out the population that leaves in proximity to mines and analyze how their wealth is being affected as a result of the mining activities that are being conducted in their surroundings.