Deposits with radioactive elements in a scattered state are being developed in Armenia, the head the "The Greens Union of Armenia", Hakop Sanasaryan, told Arminfo correspondent.
He said that during the Soviet times the geological examination of radioactive elements, including uranium, was held. According to the geological maps, there are 4 zones at the territory of Armenia, which contain uranium and thorium. They are located in Syunik region and Shamlug of Lori region.
The availability of uranium in the copper and gold deposits contains big ecological risks. Sanasaryan said that when developing a deposit, the scattered uranium together with other heavy metals is spread in the atmosphere and is dangerous for flora and fauna as well as for the health of people.
The expert recalled that heavy metals sharply reduce land capacity, causes infection of respiratory system and expiratory system of people, as well as genetic mutation, and raises the risk of fetal death cases. Moreover, uranium is a permanent source of radiation.
Sanasaryan said that in Armenia people living in the districts next to such deposits are not informed how heavy metals affect their health. In this context, the situation is catastrophic in Kajaran and Agarak.
Today about 450 deposits have been developed in Armenia. However, Armenian legislation does not provide the levers of influence on the mining companies from the point of view of the ecological aspects and protection of the health of the residents of the nearby districts.