Zlatna

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Zlatna is a city in Alba county, Transilvania, România.

Smelter Pollution--The problem
A mineral processing plant and smelter are located within two minutes walk from the town center in Zlatna. It is a major source of atmospheric pollution in the area. The Romanian government identified Zlatna as a hot spot of environmental concern in the 1980’s.

Health Impact
An environmental health study funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) identified high blood lead levels in local children of up to 70 ug/dL (US Center for Disease Control and Prevention safe levels are 10 ug/dL) and a marked increase in the incidence of chronic bronchitis due to high levels of SO2. Romanian health researchers have found that Zlatna children have higher blood pressures than other children in their county, are 25% smaller, and suffer 30% more musculoskeletal problems. Smelter workers have extremely high levels of lead poisoning and local residents’ exhibit high incidences of tuberculosis, acute and chronic respiratory disease and bronchial asthma.