n general, the urine mercury levels were elevated
and a considerable proportion of workers had urine mercury levels above
existing guidelines. Exposed subjects were stratified into residents,
miners, millers, smelters, and refiners, who by work task content were
expected to be increasingly exposed to mercury. This group order did
show a clear trend of increasing mercury levels. Mercury levels differed
substantially between studies. Possible explanations include
dissimilarities in gold extraction methods, use of protective devices,
and selection of participants.
Conclusions
This review provides
evidence that artisanal gold miners and residents of the mining sites
are exposed to mercury vapour to an extent where acute and long-term
toxic effects of mercury are likely. Interventions aimed at reducing
exposure and emission of mercury from ASGM are needed.
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