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Abbas HH, Sakakibara M, Arma LH, Fachrin SA, Gafur A. Mercury pollution in the aquatic system near of Urban Artisanal Gold Mining (UAGM) activity in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. IWOSP 2021, INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON STATISTICAL PHYSICS 2023. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0142499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Saalidong BM, Aram SA. Mercury Exposure in Artisanal Mining: Assessing the Effect of Occupational Activities on Blood Mercury Levels Among Artisanal and Small-Scale Goldminers in Ghana. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:4256-4266. [PMID: 34773577 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-03025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey of 425 male artisanal and small-scale goldminers (ASGM) was conducted to examine the relationship between the occupational activities of the miners and their blood mercury levels while controlling for relevant biosocial and socio-cultural factors. The data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Initial findings showed that 43.29% of the ASGM miners had blood mercury levels above the occupational exposure threshold. Among the occupational factors, ASGM miners who amalgamate gold, burn amalgam, and ASGM miners who smelt gold were 2.260, 1.881, and 2.094 times respectively more likely to have high blood mercury levels as compared to ASGM miners who did not carry out these activities. Also, ASGM miners who suck excess mercury with their mouth (OR = 0.197, p < 0.001) were less likely to have high blood mercury levels. For the biosocial and socio-cultural attributes, high blood mercury levels was less likely among older ASGM miners (OR = 0.507, p < 0.05). Inversely, high blood mercury levels was more likely among ASGM miners who are married (OR = 1.627, p < 0.05), ASGM miners with junior (OR = 2.240, p < 0.001) and senior (OR = 1.575, p < 0.05) high school education, and ASGM miners who have 6-10 years (OR = 3.802, p < 0.001) and above 10 years (OR = 2.591, p < 0.001) work experience. ASGM miners who amalgamate gold, burn amalgam, and smelt gold are exposed to mercury and are at risk of mercury poisoning. This could, however, be minimized with the right capturing devices and personal protective equipment. This notwithstanding, unsafe, and unsustainable occupational practices such as working in mercury contaminated water and sucking excess mercury with the mouth should be discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Saalidong
- Department of Geosciences, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China
| | - Simon Appah Aram
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
- College of Safety and Emergency Management Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, People's Republic of China.
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Saldaña-Villanueva K, Pérez-Vázquez FJ, Ávila-García IP, Méndez-Rodríguez KB, Carrizalez-Yáñez L, Gavilán-García A, Vargas-Morales JM, Van-Brussel E, Diaz-Barriga F. A preliminary study on health impacts of Mexican mercury mining workers in a context of precarious employment. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 71:126925. [PMID: 35051884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mercury mining is one of the main sources of mercury (Hg) release into the environment, causing serious impacts on human health and the environment. Workers in these mines are employed informally and precariously and therefore lack labor rights such as social security. The objective of the study is to make visible the exposure to environmental contaminants and the health of workers in mercury mines. An environmental assessment was conducted to determine workers' exposure to contaminants; urine samples were obtained to measure exposure to mercury and arsenic, and blood samples were obtained for lead and cadmium. Clinical parameters were also evaluated. Concentrations of Hg, As and Pb were determined in soil, 279.4 mg/kg (24.4-788.5), 14.7 mg/kg (9.5-20.3) and 1.4 mg/kg (1-2.8), respectively. The exposure results for mercury were 551 μg/g creatinine, for arsenic 50 μg/L and for lead 4.7 μg/dL. Cd-B was not found. In addition, 17.6 % of the workers had diabetes and 17.6 % had renal disorders. Principal Component Regression was performed obtaining an r2 of 0.86 for glomerular filtration rate and 0.54 for albumin creatinine ratio using clinical, occupational, and metal exposure variables. Exposure to Hg in this type of mine is not exclusive, so there is a cumulative risk of chronic exposure to different environmental pollutants directly impacting the health of workers. It is necessary to implement health strategies and different work opportunities for these workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Saldaña-Villanueva
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Pérez-Vázquez
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
| | - Ivette P Ávila-García
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
| | - Karen B Méndez-Rodríguez
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
| | - Leticia Carrizalez-Yáñez
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
| | - Arturo Gavilán-García
- National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change, Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan M Vargas-Morales
- School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Evelyn Van-Brussel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, UASLP, Toxicological Care Information Center (CIAT), Hospital Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Fernando Diaz-Barriga
- Coordination for the Innovation and Application of Science and Technology (CIACYT), Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
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Kyaw WT, Sakakibara M. Transdisciplinary Communities of Practice to Resolve Health Problems in Southeast Asian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5422. [PMID: 35564816 PMCID: PMC9104413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has been a major part of people's livelihood in the rural areas of many developing countries, including those in Southeast Asia (SEA). Nevertheless, because of the use of mercury, ASGM activities have significant local and global adverse impacts on the environment and ASGM community health. Although there have been many monodisciplinary projects by academic researchers and governments to solve the environmental and health problems in SEA ASGM communities, they have not been sufficient to solve the complex socioeconomic problems. This review first outlines the nature of the SEA ASGM activities and the consequent environmental, community health, and socioeconomic problems and then introduces an approach using transdisciplinary communities of practice that involves both academic and nonacademic participants to relieve these wicked ASGM problems and to improve the environmental governance and community health in ASGM communities in SEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Thiri Kyaw
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan;
| | - Masayuki Sakakibara
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan;
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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Meutia AA, Lumowa R, Sakakibara M. Indonesian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining-A Narrative Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3955. [PMID: 35409639 PMCID: PMC8997897 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Indonesia is host to a long history of gold mining and is responsible for a significant contribution to world gold production. This is true not only with regard to large gold mining companies but also to small-scale mining groups comprised of people and enterprises that participate in the gold industry of Indonesia. More than two thousand gold mining locations exist in present day Indonesia. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sites are spread out across thirty provinces in Indonesia, and have provided work opportunities and income for more than two million people. However, the majority of ASGM activities use rudimentary technologies that have serious impacts upon the environment, public health, and miners' safety, which in turn generate socio-economic impacts for people residing around the mine sites. Moreover, many ASGMs are not licensed and operate illegally, meaning that they are immune to governmental regulation, and do not provide income to the regions and states via taxes. The possibility for more prudent management of ASGM operations could become a reality with the involvement and cooperation of all relevant parties, especially communities, local government, police, and NGOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami A. Meutia
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan;
| | - Royke Lumowa
- School of Environmental Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
| | - Masayuki Sakakibara
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan;
- Department of Earth Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
- Faculty of Collaborative Regional Innovation, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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Environmental Survey of the Distribution and Metal Contents of Pteris vittata in Arsenic-Lead-Mercury-Contaminated Gold Mining Areas along the Bone River in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010530. [PMID: 35010788 PMCID: PMC8744559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we report ecological and environmental investigations on Pteris vittata in the As-Pb-Hg-polluted Bone River area, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia. The density distribution of P. vittata decreases from around the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) site to the lower reaches of the Bone River, and it is rarely found near Gorontalo City. The maximum concentrations of As, Hg, and Pb recorded in the soil samples were 401, 36, and 159 mg kg-1, respectively, with their maximum concentrations in P. vittata recorded as 17,700, 5.2, and 39 mg kg-1, respectively. Around the ASGM sites, the concentrations of As, Pb, and Hg in P. vittata were highest in the study area. These data suggest that P. vittata, a hyperaccumulator of As, may be useful as a bioindicator for assessing environmental pollution by Pb and Hg.
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Influence of Mining Activities on Arsenic Concentration in Rice in Asia: A Review. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11050472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Crop and livestock farming on contaminated soil has been found to induce the accumulation of trace elements in edible parts of plants, with subsequent risk to human and animal health. Since rice crop is a major source of energy in worldwide diets and is consumed by more than 3 billion people, the soil–rice pathway is regarded as a prominent route of human exposure to potentially toxic elements. This study provides an overview of arsenic contamination in paddy rice from mining-impacted areas in several Asian countries that are primary rice consumers. From this review, it may be concluded that mining activities, along with the associated residual waste, significantly contribute to arsenic contamination of this food crop as rice samples from these regions were highly contaminated, with the highest total arsenic concentrations recorded being 3–4 times higher than the maximum levels proposed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. While the contamination in China, Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand appeared to be slightly affected by mining activities, the elevated levels of arsenic in rice from mining areas in India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam could be derived from arsenic-contaminated groundwater.
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Cossa H, Scheidegger R, Leuenberger A, Ammann P, Munguambe K, Utzinger J, Macete E, Winkler MS. Health Studies in the Context of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1555. [PMID: 33562086 PMCID: PMC7914471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an important livelihood activity in many low- and middle-income countries. It is widely acknowledged that there are a myriad of health risk and opportunities associated with ASM. However, little is known with regard to which aspects of health have been studied in ASM settings. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications, using readily available electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to 14 July 2020. Relevant information was synthesized with an emphasis on human and environmental exposures and health effects in a context of ASM. Our search yielded 2764 records. After systematic screening, 176 health studies from 38 countries were retained for final analysis. Most of the studies (n = 155) focused on health in ASM extracting gold. While many of the studies included the collection of environmental and human samples (n = 154), only few (n = 30) investigated infectious diseases. Little attention was given to vulnerable groups, such as women of reproductive age and children. Our scoping review provides a detailed characterisation of health studies in ASM contexts. Future research in ASM settings should address health more comprehensively, including the potential spread of infectious diseases, and effects on mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermínio Cossa
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Rahel Scheidegger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, P.O. Box, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Andrea Leuenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priska Ammann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, C.P. 257 Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, C.P. 1929 Maputo, Mozambique; (K.M.); (E.M.)
- National Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, C.P. 264 Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mirko S. Winkler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (A.L.); (P.A.); (J.U.); (M.S.W.)
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
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Suhelmi R, Amqam H, Thaha RM, Mallongi A, Daud A, Ishaq H. The relationship of mercury exposure with neurological problems in artisanal gold in Makassar city. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:265-269. [PMID: 32712592 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives This research aims to analyse the relationship between urine mercury levels and neurological problems. Methods This research is an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. There are 44 goldsmiths in the gold jewellery small scale industry involved in this study. Urine mercury levels were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Neurological problems were assessed by a medician. Data collected includes age, time of exposure, work duration, smoking behaviour and nutrition status of the goldsmiths which were obtained by interview. Results The results showed that the concentration of mercury in the goldsmith's urine was around 0.93-64.59 μg/L. The analysis showed that there were 63% of goldsmiths experiencing neurological problems, such as tremors (9.1%) and knee pass reflex (6.8%). The bivariate analysis showed that there is no significant relationship between the concentration of mercury (p=0.133), age (p=0.155), time of exposure (p=0.702), time of working (p=0.354), smoking behaviour (p=0.169) and nutrition status (p=0.541) with neurological problems. Conclusions The goldsmiths who had high levels of mercury in urine samples were diagnosed with at least one of the neurological symptoms. It is recommended that the goldsmith use personal protective equipment during work such as mask, glasses and gloves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reni Suhelmi
- Environmental Health Department of Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur, Samarinda, Indonesia
| | - Hasnawati Amqam
- Environmental Health Department, Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Ridwan M Thaha
- Health Promotion and Behavioral Science Department, Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Anwar Mallongi
- Environmental Health Department, Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Anwar Daud
- Environmental Health Department, Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Hasanuddin Ishaq
- Environmental Health Department, Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
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Mercury Exposure and Health Problems of the Students Using Skin-Lightening Cosmetic Products in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. COSMETICS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics7030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite legal and safety issues, skin-lightening cosmetic products—including hazardous mercury-containing cosmetics—are in increasing demand in Indonesia. Perceptions of beauty may result in desires to have lighter skin tones, regardless of the safety of these cosmetics, which block the production of melanin and thus lighten skin tone. This study investigated Hg exposure of students using skin-lightening cosmetics and assessed the health issues. A total of 105 female students were given a questionnaire regarding their use of cosmetics; a further 43 students formed a non-cosmetic-user control group. Their scalp hair and cosmetic products were analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy. The geometric-mean hair Hg concentration for the cosmetics-using students was 6.7 µg g−1—three times that of the control group (2.3 µg g−1). Of twenty-seven cosmetic samples were analyzed, twenty had Hg concentrations of 0.12–7834.4 µg g−1 (mean 554.6 µg g−1), and seven had no detectable Hg. The hair Hg concentrations exhibited a statistically significant correlation with cosmetic Hg concentration. The health assessments indicated only rigidity & ataxia and irregular eye movement were prevalent in the cosmetic-using students with less than 7% occurrences.
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Lead and Mercury Exposure and Related Health Problems in Metal Artisan Workplaces and High-Risk Household Contacts in Thimphu, Bhutan. ScientificWorldJournal 2020; 2020:9267181. [PMID: 32231467 PMCID: PMC7085879 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9267181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metal artisans have been using lead and mercury in their settings for centuries. Exposure to these toxic heavy metals causes adverse health effects. We assessed the occupational exposure of metal artisans and their high-risk household contacts at Thimphu, Bhutan. Methods A cross-sectional study in which 134 metal artisan center employees and 48 high-risk household contacts were tested for blood lead and mercury levels. Sociodemographic data, occupational exposure risk factors, and clinical syndrome related to lead and mercury exposure were further obtained and analyzed using EpiInfo 7.0. Results The mean age of the metal artisan center employees was 36.02 ± 10.3. The prevalence of elevated blood lead and mercury level was 38.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of mercury level was observed among the artisans compared to nonartisans (66.97 vs, 16.0). Among three centers, the goldsmith section of the Department of National Properties had the highest (94.1%). Profession as an artisan, mold designing, performing gold amalgamation, working for >8 hours a day, working for >5 years, and working at home were significant risk factors associated with elevated blood mercury level. Significant association was observed between elevated mercury level and complaints of burning or watery eyes (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.029), muscle aches (p=0.019), and stomach cramps or pain (p=0.009). Conclusion The prevalence of elevated blood mercury level is concerning among the artisans. Advocacy, proper usage of personal protective equipment, awareness on chemical safety, and hazard associated with lead and mercury usage are needed to minimize the exposure.
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Diaz SM, Palma RM, Muñoz MN, Becerra-Arias C, Fernández Niño JA. Factors Associated with High Mercury Levels in Women and Girls from The Mojana Region, Colombia, 2013-2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061827. [PMID: 32168984 PMCID: PMC7143275 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Women are primarily exposed to mercury through the consumption of fish contaminated by gold mining activities. The main systems affected are the central nervous and renal systems, although effects on the reproductive system have also been found. Objective: To explore the relationship between mercury levels in women and their possible sources of contamination. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2015 with women residing in 11 municipalities in La Mojana, Colombia, using non-random sampling. Standardized instruments were used to identify sociodemographic characteristics, mercury use, mining-related activities, water and fish consumption, and other factors. Blood, urine, and hair samples were taken to quantify mercury levels. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with elevated mercury values in the participants’ samples. A total of 428 women were included, with an average age of 36.7 ± 16.7 years, 3.3% of whom were pregnant at the time of the survey and 8.4% of whom were exposed occupationally. High levels of mercury were present in 62.8% of the women, in any one of the three samples processed. Those exposed occupationally and environmentally had similar values (p = 0.821). Frequency of fish consumption and source of drinking water were associated with higher levels of mercury (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Mireya Diaz
- Group of Environmental Risk Factors, National Institute of Health, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (S.M.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Ruth Marien Palma
- Environmental and Labor Health Group, National Institute of Health, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
| | - Maria Nathalia Muñoz
- Group of Environmental Risk Factors, National Institute of Health, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; (S.M.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Carolina Becerra-Arias
- Secretary of Health and Environment of Bucaramanga. Public Health Surveillance, Bucaramanga 680006, Colombia;
| | - Julián Alfredo Fernández Niño
- Department of Public Health. Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 081007, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-535-095-09 (ext. 3958)
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