Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
ZIMGOBIO - Biomonitoring and Health Data from two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe
Dublin Core
Title
Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
ZIMGOBIO - Biomonitoring and Health Data from two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe
ZIMGOBIO - Biomonitoring and Health Data from two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe
Subject
ZIMGOBIO - Biomonitoring and Health Data, ASGM areas, Zimbabwe
Description
Background: ASGM is in an important economic driver in Zimbabwe, especially during the ongoing severe economic crisis of the country, gold mining is an important source of income for a growing part of the population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe. 207 participants were recruited in Kadoma and Shurugwi. All participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D + C) was assessed with a questionnaire. To assess the exposure to mercury and other toxic metals, blood and urine samples were collected, shipped to Germany and analysed in our laboratory.
Results: The participants Hg levels were elevated compared to people not involved in ASGM. Furthermore, we were able to identify exposure risk factors that have a significant impact on Hg levels. Distribution of mercury in different blood components was significantly affected by time and intensity of exposure. In addition to mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead levels were elevated in a significant part of the participants, possibly due to mining-related activities that result in the liberation of these metals from the soil. Quality of life was negatively affected by
mercury exposure. Conclusion: From a public health perspective, working conditions must be improved in order to reduce exposure to mercury and toxic metals.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe. 207 participants were recruited in Kadoma and Shurugwi. All participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D + C) was assessed with a questionnaire. To assess the exposure to mercury and other toxic metals, blood and urine samples were collected, shipped to Germany and analysed in our laboratory.
Results: The participants Hg levels were elevated compared to people not involved in ASGM. Furthermore, we were able to identify exposure risk factors that have a significant impact on Hg levels. Distribution of mercury in different blood components was significantly affected by time and intensity of exposure. In addition to mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead levels were elevated in a significant part of the participants, possibly due to mining-related activities that result in the liberation of these metals from the soil. Quality of life was negatively affected by
mercury exposure. Conclusion: From a public health perspective, working conditions must be improved in order to reduce exposure to mercury and toxic metals.
Creator
Stefan Rakete and Stephan Bose-O’Reillly
Publisher
Elsevier Korea LLC
Date
January 2022
Contributor
Sri Wahyuni
Format
PDF
Language
English
Type
Text
Coverage
Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
Files
Citation
Stefan Rakete and Stephan Bose-O’Reillly, “Safety and Health at Work Vol. 13 Supplement 2022
ZIMGOBIO - Biomonitoring and Health Data from two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed November 21, 2024, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/2567.
ZIMGOBIO - Biomonitoring and Health Data from two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed November 21, 2024, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/2567.