Feasibility of respirable crystalline silica exposure reduction in small-scale tanzanite mining in Tanzania.

Introduction: Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposures in tanzanite gem mining have been linked to tuberculosis and silicosis among miners. We conducted a plot study to assess RCS exposures and to introduce safer mining practices in one small-scale underground tanzanite mine.

Materials And Methods: Personal and area air samples for RCS were collected during tanzanite mining operations before and after improved work practices employed to reduce exposures and analyzed using X-ray diffraction.

Declining blood lead levels among small-scale miners participating in a safer mining pilot programme in Nigeria.

Objectives: Our objective was to monitor blood lead levels (BLLs) of miners and ore processors participating in a pilot programme to reduce lead poisoning and take-home exposures from artisanal small-scale gold mining. A medical surveillance programme was established to assess exposures as new methods aimed at reducing lead exposures from ore were introduced in a community in Nigeria where children experienced substantial lead-related morbidity and mortality.

Methods: Extensive outreach and education were offered to miners, and investments were made to adopt wet methods to reduce exposures during mining and processing.

Soil contamination from lead battery manufacturing and recycling in seven African countries.

Lead battery recycling is a growing hazardous industry throughout Africa. We investigated potential soil contamination inside and outside formal sector recycling plants in seven countries. We collected 118 soil samples at 15 recycling plants and one battery manufacturing site and analyzed them for total lead.