Geochemical aspects of serpentine bodies off Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka and their effect on human health

Abstract

Serpentine is a mineral rich with Nickel, Chromium, Cobalt and Iron. Weathering of Serpentine rock can liberate such elements into the environment. Excessive exposure to such elements can damage human health by means of skin rashes, redness of skin, and Kidney diseases. Previous studies carried out in the Ginigalpelessa area off Ambilipitiya has concluded that major part of the area is underlain by serpentinite bodies and high amount of such elements are present in the soil, weathered rocks and fresh rocks of the area. To identify health issues associated within the area, a questionnaire was carried out in Gingigalpalessa village and in Angunakolapalessa village which is located about 15 km away from Ginigalpelessa area, where similar weather conditions,cultivations and social activities are found but not geology. Data gathered from the questionnaire shows skin rashes are common among the people living in Ginigalpellassa area. The survey also revealed that 54% of the patients are children, age below 15 years and 38% of them are adults, age above 45 years. Furthermore such deseases are common among the families living in the area for a longer period. The results also reveal that majority of the patients live in highly concentrated zones of such elements in Ginigalpelessa area and no such cases are found in Angunukolapellessa village where geological conditions are different.