Emerging Diseases Associated With Mining: A Study Of Small Scale Mining Communities In Ghana

ABSTRACT Background: Mining activities are a high prevalence of certain diseases compared to nonmining areas as a result of the environmental and social changes that create conditions that favor disease emergence over time. Over the years, most research on gold mining areas in Ghana have been from an economic perspective, with few looking into gold mining-related disease prevalence. This study is aimed to identify new diseases that emerge as a result of mining activities and exposures to hazardous chemicals. Methods: This study was a quantitative cross-sectional design and a total of 504 participants from selected mining areas in the Amansie Central, Asante-Akyem district and East Akim Municipal district in Ghana were sampled. Data was collected through interviewing using semistructured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was fitted to determine the association between selected exposure variables and some mining diseases. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 33±9.1years and about 80% were males. The prevalence of mining related diseases were skin problems (39.2%), numbness in the palm and feet (34.2% and 33.8% respectively), respiratory problems (18.1%) and tremors (16.9%). About 68.8% of the miners worked with mercury and the majority burned amalgam or melted gold daily or at least once a week. Also 75.5% did not use hand gloves when working with mercury. Working with mercury was also associated with 3.72 times higher odds of numbness (AOR: 3.72; 95%CI: 2.21 -6.27) and skin diseases (AOR: 2.49; 95%CI: 1.51 -4.10). Handling mercury without gloves and handling mercury daily were also associated 1.99times higher odds of numbness and skin diseases. As compared to those who never burned amalgam, burning amalgam daily was associated with 2.01 times higher odds of numbness (AOR: 1.99; 95%CI: 1.14 -3.49) and skin diseases (AOR: 2.01; 95%CI: 1.12 -3.59) ~ v ~ Conclusion: This study found high prevalence of diseases related to mining activities including skin problems, numbness in the palm and feet, tremors and anxiety. It is urgent to adequately monitor and assess disease prevalence among small scale miners to adequately prepare the healthcare system for emerging health conditions.