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Table 6 Noise

From: Reducing disease and death from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) - the urgent need for responsible mining in the context of growing global demand for minerals and metals for climate change mitigation

Mining is characterized by high noise exposures which can lead to permanent noise induced hearing loss. In ASM, the lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) and safety and health preventive mechanisms presents a significant challenge and is responsible for high cases of noise induced hearing loss [62]. Basu et al. (2015) portrayed the setting in ASGM in Ghana, identifying high noise exposure in various steps of the mining process [46]. Inter alia dynamite usage and grinding with generator powered machines were described as such exposures. According to the WHO, levels of noise in ASM can exceed acceptable levels for preventing hearing loss [10]. Additionally, cardiovascular, as well as cognitive and behavioral disabilities, are correlated to noise exposure in ASM.

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Environmental Health

ISSN: 1476-069X