Rare Earth Element Content in Hair Samples of Children Living in the Vicinity of the Kola Peninsula Mining Site and Nervous System Diseases

The aim of this study is to assess the rare earth element (REE) content in hair samples of children living in Lovozero village, near an REE mining site, and the possible effects of REEs on the prevalence of nervous system diseases in Lovozersky District (Murmansk region, Kola Peninsula). Fifty-three school-age children were recruited for the analysis of REE content in hair samples. REE (Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) content was estimated by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis of REE content in the hair of children living in Russia, Kazakhstan, and China indicated REE intake from the environment. The possible contribution of REEs to nervous system disorders is supported by the link between the REE content in hair samples of children living near REE mining areas (China) and the manifestation of cognitive disorders in these children. It is also found that the prevalence of nervous system diseases in children aged 15-17 years is higher in Lovozersky District compared to the other districts of the Murmansk region. In this paper, the possible contribution of REEs to the prevalence of episodic paroxysmal disorders (G40-G47), cerebral palsy (G80-G83), and epilepsy and status epilepticus (G40-G41) is discussed.