Evaluation of Ambient Air Particulate Matter, Urine Arsenic Levels and the Effect on Residents Health in an Artisanal Mining Community and an Incorporated Mining Community in Ghana From April 2024 to July 2024: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Over 200 million people in developing and industrialized countries are exposed to arsenic poisoning. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) constitutes a significant air contaminant, especially in urban and industrial suburbs. A significant proportion of countries do not possess sufficient ambient air quality guidelines for particulate matter pollution, which has the potential for toxicity, including renal toxicity. The health risk of pollution to inhabitants of a mining area is of much concern. The Ghanaian mining sector plays a significant role in the economy, being the largest foreign exchange earner. This study assessed ambient air quality, general health status and biochemical indices of the kidney that might be due to poisoning from mining pollutants such as Arsenic.