Abstract
Small-scale or artisanal mining, using gold-mercury amalgamation to extract gold from ore, is a significant source of exposure for the workers and nearby populations. Few studies on hair mercury (Hg) have been conducted in Africa despite the fact that Africa has several gold deposits. No studies have been conducted in Eritrea that is one of the emerging gold producing countries in Africa. The aim of the study was to assess the Hg concentration in hair samples (n = 120) of a population living in Asmara, capital of Eritrea, and to evaluate the influence of some factors on the Hg levels in hair. Information on age, height, weight, occupation, smoking and fish consumption of participants were collected via questionnaire. Hair Hg concentration was significantly higher among women compared to men (p < 0.001) and among women preparing spicy products in Medeber market compared to those who did other jobs (p = 0.010). These results highlight the need for routine biomonitoring surveys and for health promotion campaigns devoted to local decision makers and workers.
Highlights
Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element that can be distributed in the environment by both natural processes and human activities [1]
Just over half of the individuals worked at the Medeber market (53.3%), while just under half of the individuals did not work at Medeber
The use of gender specific reference ranges was strongly recommended in human biomonitoring studies performing to assess human health risks related to Hg exposure
Summary
Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element that can be distributed in the environment by both natural processes and human activities [1]. Hg can be found in three main forms: elemental, inorganic and organic (such as methylmercury, MeHg), each with their own implications for human health [6,7]. People may be exposed to elemental or inorganic Hg through inhalation of ambient air, during occupational activities and from dental amalgams [8], but the main nonoccupational exposure of humans to Hg is in its organic form (MeHg), considered the most toxic species of Hg [9]. Metallic Hg wastes are usually dumped into or near watercourses. These discharges can lead to high MeHg levels in fish of these water bodies [14]. Díez et al, [15] found that mean Hg levels were greater in people living
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