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The clinical importance of the mercury problem in artisanal small-scale gold mining

Dr. Ofori, Eric Gyamerah
Lecturer
  oforieric3@gmail.com

Authors
Afrifa, J., Opoku, Y. K., Ofori, G. O., Ashiagbor, G., & Sorkpor, R. D.
Publication Year
2019
Article Title
The clinical importance of the mercury problem in artisanal small-scale gold mining
Journal
Frontiers in Public Health
Volume
7
Page Numbers
448888
Abstract

Artisanal small-scale mining is widely operated in various countries serving as a livelihood to many rural communities. However, it is a significant source of environmental mercury contamination which affects human health. Amalgamation and amalgam smelting, two significant steps in the artisanal small-scale mining operations generate lots of mercury vapors, leading to chronic exposure among miners. Thus, this article seeks to provide a topical review of recent findings on organ damage and metabolic disorders among mercury-exposed artisanal small-scale miners with emphasis on the contributing factors such as personal protective equipment usage and artisanal small-scale gold mining-specific occupational activities. Also, insights into the effect of mercury intoxication and mechanisms of action on organ and metabolic systems among exposed individuals are provided.

© 2019 University of Education, Winneba