Even disregarding fatal accidents and deaths, the work takes a heavy toll on a child’s health. Child miners frequently suffer from musculoskeletal pain, exhaustion and respiratory diseases. And the use of hazardous chemicals in mining, such as mercury, carries a high risk of poisoning. This causes severe damage to the nervous system. Neurological tests have revealed that children involved in the mining sector need twice as long to complete cognitive and reflex texts. Other symptoms of mercury poisoning include tremors, mood swings, headaches and muscle weakness. High levels can eventually cause kidney and respiratory failure and death. Children are also exposed to other metals and non-metals which present a risk to their health.
http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/charity-news/drawing-children-away-from-the-mining-industry-in-kenya
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