Toxic exposure from galamsey puts elderly at greater risk of kidney damage — Public health expert

Galamsey-related toxic exposure poses a grave risk to the elderly, particularly their kidneys, warns medical doctor and public health researcher Floret Maame Owusu. Age-related organ function decline in the elderly, especially the kidneys, makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of chemicals from illegal mining. During the tenth edition of the Loud and Green X Space, held under the theme “Galamsey: The Health and Livelihood Crisis,” Dr Owusu identified the elderly as one of the most vulnerable groups to health effects from illegal mining.

She explained that older people's kidneys may struggle to remove harmful substances due to their reduced capacity, leading to potential kidney damage, high blood pressure, and neurological problems if they come into contact with toxic substances through contaminated water and other sources. Dr Owusu cautioned that symptoms of toxic exposure could be mistaken for signs of aging, potentially delaying medical attention.

Prolonged exposure could exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, making elderly people particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of illegal mining. The expert urged immediate action to limit exposure and protect communities from the health implications of illegal mining, which can have long-term consequences that may not be apparent immediately.