High Blood Lead Levels and Perceived Societal and Health Issues Amongst Juvenile Illegal Miners: A Call for Multisectoral Action

Abstract

This paper reports the blood lead levels amongst illegal juvenile miners and their perception of the role of illegal mining in terms of societal and health issues. The sampled population included 90 illegal miners between 14 and 19 years of age with a mean age of 17 and mean blood lead level of 15.58 µg/dL. Those involved in going underground and draining the gold had higher blood lead levels (BLLs) with a mean = 26.03 µg/dL. Sixteen participants (84%) believed that being involved in illegal mining may lead to adverse health, and they were concerned about injury due to violence. Most participants had experienced occupational and environment-related disease. All participants believe that illegal mining-related activities have the potential to contaminate the environment, yet all have conducted the same activities in their yard or household. The majority of illegal miners know the danger of the chemicals used to extract the gold. Out of 19, only two have ever received personal protective clothing/equipment. The others had to fend for themselves. The findings of this study highlight and raise critical public health, social, and criminal issues. Therefore, there is a need for multisectoral action, especially regarding public health.

Keywords

• blood lead levels
• illegal mining
• juveniles
• child labour
• societal problems
• health issues