Open AccessEffect of Mercury Exposure on Renal Function and Hematological Parameters among Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Miners at Sekotong, West Lombok, Indonesia
Author(s) -
Ardiana Ekawanti,
Baiq Dewi Krisnayanti
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of health and pollution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.412
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2156-9614
DOI - 10.5696/2156-9614-5-9.25
Subject(s) - mercury (programming language) , gold mining , urine , environmental health , toxicology , mercury exposure , exposure assessment , biomonitoring , mercury poisoning , medicine , toxicity , environmental chemistry , chemistry , biology , computer science , programming language , endocrinology
Mercury is a toxic metal with effects on human health ranging from acute to chronic in a very short time of exposure. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the main source of direct human exposure to mercury. Human exposure to mercury (Hg) can occur through both direct inhalation of mercury vapor and consumption of material taken from contaminated areas. To protect the health of ASGM workers and surrounding communities, a health assessment of mercury exposure and its effects is urgently needed. However, analysis of hair and urine samples as a proof test for mercury toxicity is very expensive. Therefore other tests must be considered to identify the first symptoms of mercury toxicity in miners and the surrounding community.