Lead, mercury, and arsenic pollution in Peruvian schools threatens the health of thousands of students

Heavy metal pollution in schools in Peru threatens the health of thousands of students. These pollutants, present in the soil, air, and water, pose a serious danger to children and adolescents attending educational institutions in affected areas.

Continuous exposure to heavy metals harms not only physical health but also the cognitive development of many students, which has raised alarm among government authorities and civil groups.

Heavy metal pollution threatens the health of schoolchildren in Peru

Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, are chemical elements with high atomic weight and density that, in uncontrolled amounts, are highly toxic. They can accumulate in our biological systems, causing damage to vital organs and neurological disorders.

In the school environment, the risk of exposure to these metals arises from consuming contaminated food, inhaling airborne particles, or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces and soils. This situation is especially critical in communities near mining activities or industries.

A report from the Environmental Health Council (CSA) reveals the presence of high levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury in soils of former mining areas where schools operate. It is estimated that 2,647 students and staff are exposed daily to contamination levels exceeding those allowed by national environmental standards.

The study, conducted between 2019 and 2025, reviewed 39 schools in regions such as Huancavelica, Lima, Áncash, Cajamarca, and Junín. These areas have a long history of mining, and many educational facilities were built on or near sites that housed former mining operations.

According to the CSA, analyses indicate that contaminant levels exceed the country’s Environmental Quality Standards (ECA), which increases the risk for school communities.

The president of the organization, Nicholas Robins, calls for additional environmental assessments and immediate actions to minimize children’s exposure to these hazards.

Experts warn that heavy metals can bioaccumulate in the human body, primarily affecting the nervous system, which is more severe in children and pregnant women due to their critical developmental stages.

Pollution in school areas occurs not only within the facilities but also in adjacent areas, increasing the risk to the entire community.

In regions like Huancavelica, where poverty is high and communities have lived with mining for decades, the situation is even more concerning. In December 2023, a court ordered the government to declare an environmental emergency due to contamination by metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic.

The CSA report insists on the need to strengthen environmental monitoring and develop decontamination plans to ensure the safety of students. The situation is an urgent reminder that measures must be taken to protect future generations from the irreversible damage caused by exposure to toxic elements.