Toxic mining waste threatens health near North Macedonia school

24/3/2023 18:49

        The heavy odour gives a hint of the tonnes of toxic waste including arsenic oxide left at a landfill site near where 400 children learn and play at a school in North Macedonia.
        
        A chromium and antimony mine in the village of Lojane was closed in 1979 and the waste was abandoned, left in the open air, polluting land and underground water supplies.
        
        The government says it is doing what it can while it tries to sell the waste, including planning to fence off the zone.
        
        According to the World Health Organization, arsenic is one of 10 chemicals of major public health concern. It says long-term exposure from drinking water and food can cause cancer.