Environmental and occupational health hazards associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining

Type of item
EU & international information
Country
International
Year of publication
2016

English

Description

Millions of people in the developing world depend on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) for their livelihoods. The present document is part of a World Health Organization (WHO) technical series on artisanal and small-scale gold mining and health developed in response to World Health Assembly Resolution 67.11. It seeks to inform ministries of public health of the roles they can play in supporting the implementation of the ASGM-related provisions of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. This report provides a summary of the literature review that was carried out to support the development of the WHO guidance. It covers the environmental and occupational health hazards and adverse health outcomes associated with ASGM. Issues and special considerations for women and children are also explored. The report also examines training programmes, toolkits and guides that can be used by, or developed into a curriculum on occupational and environmental hazards associated with ASGM for, a healthcare audience.

Other data

Sector / Industry covered
Mining of metal ores
Provider
Provider name (English)
World Health Organization
Provider name (Original)
World Health Organization
Provider url:
Tasks covered
Mining or Quarrying
Biological hazard
Viruses
Bacteria
Hazard - physical state
Dusts
Liquids
Vapours
Hazard - health effects
Neurotoxic substances
Irritants
Toxic substances
Exposure route
Dermal contact
Ingestion
Inhalation
Substance Description

Mercury, Methylmercury, Silicon dioxide, Lead sulphide, Sulphur dioxide, Carbon monoxide

CAS Number
7439-97-6
22967-92-6
7631-86-9, 112926-00-8
1314-87-0
7446-09-5
630-08-0
EC number
231-106-7
231-545-4
215-246-6
231-195-2
211-128-3
Prevention measures
Training / guidance
Purpose of the material
Awareness raising
Report
Training
Target group
Occupational health physician
Policy makers
Trainers