Ss08 Adverse Human Health and Safety Impacts of Chemical Use to Small-Scale Miners, and Their Households and Community, and Interventions

Abstract The Special Session will cover the wide-ranging adverse health effects of exposures to chemicals commonly used in formal and informal mining, either regulated or outside the purview of regulation of the government. The small-scale miners are directly exposed to these chemicals; they bring home these toxins; these chemicals e.g. mercury and other toxic metals contaminate the environment - air, water, and soil. This session will present research evidence and advocacies in mercury use and poisoning in various parts of the globe, the presence of trace metals in blood and urine of the exposed, as well as the promises and benefits of new methods of biomonitoring, principles of prevention strategies, and innovative workplace practices.