Turkey faces risk of heavy metal poisoning!
A study published in Science reveals that 1.4 billion people worldwide live under the threat of heavy metals, while experts warn that uncontrolled mining activities in Turkey could lead to a serious public health crisis through water basins and the food chain.
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A recent study published in the world-renowned journal Science reveals a frightening global picture, while experts warn that mining activities in Turkey are dragging the country toward a major public health crisis.
1.4 BILLION PEOPLE IN THE "HEAVY METAL" GRIP
A comprehensive study published in the journal Science in 2025 revealed that approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide live on land dangerously contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead. The research discovered a previously unnoticed "metal-rich corridor" in the low-latitude Eurasian region. This corridor proves that millions of people are at direct risk of poisoning.
THE "GOLD" DANGER FOR TURKEY: WATER BASINS UNDER THREAT
Following these global scientific warnings, Dr. Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz drew attention to the situation in Turkey on a local level and made striking statements. Emphasizing uncontrolled mining activities in Turkey, Şahbaz stated that especially gold and Group 4 mining operations are irreversibly damaging the ecosystem.
"Because of gold and Group 4 mining operations that have turned almost all of the country's water basins upside down, the entire country will soon face heavy metal poisoning."
INVISIBLE KILLER: HEALTH EFFECTS OF HEAVY METALS
Heavy metals seep into the food chain through soil and water, accumulating in the human body. As a result of this accumulation;
- Increased cancer risk,
- Nervous system damage,
- Kidney and liver failure,
- Serious chronic health problems such as developmental delays in children are triggered.
MINING OPERATIONS MUST BE INSPECTED
Experts emphasize that the data in the journal Science serves as an "early warning" for the region, which includes Turkey. As Dr. Şahbaz also pointed out, the continuation of mining activities in water basins in this manner could lead to the poisoning of agricultural land and make access to clean drinking water impossible.
Because of gold and Group 4 mining operations that have turned almost all of the country's water basins upside down, the entire country will soon face heavy metal poisoning. https://t.co/FePA4wfKFX
— Dr Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz (@drzelihaaksaz) April 17, 2026
It is of vital importance that mining policies be urgently reviewed and environmental inspections be maximized so that Turkey does not experience a health catastrophe in the future.