Pediatric Mercury Exposure Among Children Involved in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining

Abstract

Background: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) accounts for approximately 15 to 25% of the world’s gold production and is one of the largest sources of mercury released into the environment among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).1 The International Labour Organization states that there are 4 to 5 million women and children working in ASGM. Mercury vapor produced from heating mercury-gold amalgam can lead to tremors, memory loss, and respiratory dysfunction. As of March 2020, 128 signatories have ratified the Minamata Convention, an aggressive policy action designed to protect human and environmental health from adverse effects of mercury. Despite this action, ~1,400 tons of mercury emissions annually from more than 70 countries. Methods: Published literature was examined to summarize adverse pediatric health outcomes associated with gold mining. The literature review included identifying data gaps needed to conduct cohort studies including the age of workers, frequency of exposure, and personal protective equipment utilized, among other indicators. Results: Our preliminary analysis indicates mercury exposure is not only a significant health threat to children in LMICs, but also ASGM has lax child labor standards, and therefore, requires more attention by policy decision-makers and governmental organizations. Countries are not required to provide a comprehensive registry and there is an absence of any reliable census of those engaged in these operations.Conclusions: As a result of our assessment, the total disease burden is likely unknown, limiting what is known to be a neglected broad public health problem. Surveillance is immediately needed, not only to estimate the global burden of disease but also to conduct urgent field testing in highly exposed nations. Given that comprehensive official registries are needed, a journal article and corresponding policy guide are being drafted to detail mechanisms to increase transparency and monitoring of child labor and working conditions in ASGM.