DISEASES FROM COAL MINING CORRIDOR, DEPARTMENT OF CESAR, COLOMBIA: FAR FROM RHETORIC, CLOSER TO REALITY

In the Department of Cesar, population close to mining areas has been showing signs of pathologies such as young women with breast cancer, while in the remote municipalities; the incidence is much lower and appears at older age.

This initial research allows having an initial assumption of the direct influence to the exposure of dust coal to the nose, throat, lungs, eyes, ears, among others. The relationship of exposure to tiny particles product of the mining activity for prolonged periods with alterations in organs; breast cancer in adolescents produces a very negative social impact. Since the mammary gland is an organ very susceptible to change given their hormonal nature, there are many factors of risk for this disease, such as the indiscriminate use of contraceptives, breast trauma, heredity, sex, bad habits and lifestyle, it brings much attention the prevalence and incidence of this disease from a young age in the mining municipalities, as Codazzi, Becerril, La Jagua de Ibirico,

Chimichagua, Valledupar, there is even evidence in Uribia and San Juan, La Guajira Department.

In addition, not only there is evidence of health problems; also, there are problems like child prostitution, sexually transmitted diseases, school dropouts, among others, teen pregnancy has increased which denotes that this is a social problem in general and should be main intervention in public health. Some psychological sequel and mental problems are product of this same situation from an early age.

This study is in the early stage of problem identification by which we will be continuing the research in 2016 in order to alert the geology- health community and other international health protection and environmental organizations about a way to mitigate pandemics or epidemics.