Variation in thyroid hormone levels is associated with elevated blood mercury levels among artisanal small-scale miners in Ghana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mercury can be very toxic to human health even at low dose of exposure. Artisanal small-scale miners (ASGMs) use mercury in gold production, hence are at risk of mercury-induced organ dysfunction.

Aim

We determined the association between mercury exposure, thyroid function and work-related factors among artisanal small-scale gold miners in Bibiani- Ghana.

Method

We conveniently recruited 137 consenting male gold miners at their work site in Bibiani-Ghana, in a comparative cross-sectional study. Occupational activities and socio-demographic data of participants were collected using a questionnaire. Blood sample was analysed for total mercury and thyroid hormones.

Results

Overall, 58.4% (80/137) of the participants had blood mercury exceeding the occup

SUBMITTER: Afrifa J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6117084 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature