Incessant Risk Alarms Associated with Farming and Consuming Crops Cultivated in Host Communities of Gold Mining Operations in Ghana: Truth, Exaggeration, Ignorance or Mischief

Abstract

Heavy metals and metalloids, some of which are extremely beneficial for the survival of humans, flora and fauna can have devastating effects on same and the environment. Bioaccumulation and bio-magnification two methods via which metals and metalloids are assimilated into food chains as well as dermal and ingestion exposure to heavy metals and metalloids are believed by many residents in the Obuasi Municipality as leading public health threats to peasant farmers, their spouses and children. Risk assessment for three scenarios viz children, adult males and adult females were investigated using Average Daily Intake, Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index for ingestion and dermal exposure to metals and metalloids in soils at reclaimed sites backfilled with waste materials.