Fordyce, F.M.; Zhang, G.; Johnson, C.C.; Ge, X.; Appleton, J.D.; Zhang, Q.; Lui, X.; Li, J.. 1997 Geochemistry and human selenium imbalances in China. In: Wanty, R.; Marsh, S.; Gough, L., (eds.) Abstracts of the 4th International Symposium on Environmental Geochemistry. Denver, Colorado, USGS, 24-25. (Open File Report, 97-496).
Se is a naturally occurring non-metallic trace element which is essential to human and
other animal health in small doses (0.04 μg/g) but is harmful in excess (> 4 μg/g). China
possesses one of the best epidemiological databases in the world on Se related diseases
which has been used in conjunction with geochemical data to demonstrate a significant
geological control on human Se exposure. Se deficiency in soils and crops has been
linked to an endemic cardiomyopathy (Keshan Disease (KD)), osteoarthropathic
disorders (Kashin-Beck Disease) and oesophageal cancer whereas selenium toxicity
causes hair loss and nail deformation. However, the precise geographic areas at risk, the
geochemical factors controlling environmental Se levels and human Se status are poorly
defined and appropriate remediation strategies have yet to be established.
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