[Small-scale gold miners find working in perilous conditions in western Kenya, where large-scale gold deposits have reportedly been located. [ecna.com]
High levels of mercury have been found in women of childbearing age in Kenya, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Pacific Islands.The 2017 Kenya Demographics states that the average age for a woman's first birth is 20.The study shows women in communities near gold mining sites in these countries were found to have mercury levels many times higher than the US Environmental Protection Agency health advisory levels of 1ppm.In Kenya, gold mining sites are mainly found in Migori and Kakamega, according to the Mines and Geology Department at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.Researchers collected hair sampling from 1,044 women of reproductive age in 37 locations across 25 countries on six continents. They found that with the mercury levels brain damage, IQ loss, kidney and cardiovascular damage may occur.Lee Bell, the study's principle investigator noted that the very high mercury levels point to the urgent need to phase out coal-fired power plants and the international trade of mercury."These are the two most significant causes of mercury pollution. This study illustrates the unfolding global mercury pollution threat for the women and children of many nations and for most women engaged in small-scale gold mining," Bell said.