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ISSN 1561-3003 (Electronic)

2016, Number 3

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Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol 2016; 54 (3)

Working conditions and knowledge about mercury in gold buyers and

Molina CF, Quiroz CM

Language: Spanish
References: 43
Page: 20-36
PDF size: 285.55 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: Small-scale gold mining is an important economic source for subsistence, but it can generate serious consequences for the health of workers due to the use of mercury in their processes.
Objective: Establish the working conditions and knowledge on mercury in workers entables and gold shop workers in seven municipalities of Antioquia.
Methods: Cross-sectional study in 308 workers of entables and gold shop in seven municipalities of Antioquia to which we applied a survey of sociodemographic factors, risk factors and knowledge about mercury. Additionally, at these workers will be taking a urine sample to assess body levels of mercury. The data were analyzed by applying a t test and building a multiple linear regression model.
Results: The characteristics that are associated with an increase in mercury levels in urine were to be affiliated to occupational hazards (p=0,005), use personal protection elements (p=0,000) and have received training on mercury (p=0,009) while food consumption in the work present a lower concentration of mercury (p=0,017).
Conclusions: This study observed that there are factors in the organization of work and knowledge associated with body mercury levels that should be included in legislation and in the creation of a technical guide for controlling the mercury emissions.


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