Toxic Pollution in Africa
Over 8.7 million people estimated at risk
208 sites evaluated to date
Preliminary Research as of Aug. 23, 2010
Global Inventory of Polluted Places
Blacksmith Institute, working with local
partners and experts, is surveying highly
contaminated sites in Africa as part of an
ongoing Global Inventory of Polluted
Places, a project funded by the Asian
Development Bank and European
Commission.
To date, Blacksmith Institute has identified
208 sites in Africa where toxic pollutants
exceed national regulations and
recognized international standards. More
Artisanal miners look for gold in Osiri-Makalda, Nyanza
than 8.7 million people are estimated to
Province, Kenya.
be at risk from pollution at these sites – a
number that is expected to rise as new sites are evaluated. A more complete report will
be available in 2011. Because initial evidence suggests significant risks to human
health, these sites should be prioritized for more detailed assessment and intervention.
The table below highlights the main pollutants in Africa and the number of people who
are potentially at risk from each. The data are based on a formal site assessment
protocol and consistency review process.
Scope of Toxic Pollution in Africa
Primary Pollutant at Site
Lead
Mercury
Chromium
All Other Pollutants
Cyanide
Radionuclides
Oil/Petroleum Products
PM10
Cadmium
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Fluorides
Arsenic
Dioxins
Pesticides
Asbestos
TOTAL
Active Sites
3
3
4
1
3
2
1
Legacy Sites
12
2
4
3
1
1
1
1
Sites With Both
Active and Legacy
Pollution
42
68
21
4
2
3
2
4
7
3
1
3
2
22
1
1
1
28
1
158
Total Sites
54
70
28
10
6
3
4
4
5
10
4
1
4
3
2
208
Estimated
Population at
Risk
2,719,000
2,188,200
1,271,000
692,500
270,000
255,000
248,000
247,000
245,000
242,900
148,000
100,000
82,000
53,000
32,400
8,794,000
Preliminary data from Blacksmith Institute’s Global Inventory as of 8/23/2010. Table does not include sites with low risk to human health.
Preliminary Data - Not for Public Release
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Health Risks from Lead, Mercury, and
Chromium
Lead, mercury, and chromium are the
primary point-source pollutants in subSahara Africa. Lead and mercury are
powerful neurotoxins. Chronic exposure to
lead can cause impaired neurobehavioral
and cognitive development, decreased
stature, lethargy, convulsions, delirium,
aching bones and muscles, loss of
appetite, sleep disturbance, lead colic,
intense pain the abdomen, coma, and
death. Mercury exposure can cause
severe developmental problems in
children and fetuses, kidney problems,
Major Polluting Industries
arthritis, miscarriages, psychotic
(by population impact)
reactions, respiratory failure, neurological
damage, and death. Chromium is highly toxic in its hexavalent state (chromium VI), and
short-term exposure can cause skin irritation and ulceration, while chronic exposure can
cause lung cancer, liver failure, kidney damage, and dementia, among other illnesses.
Major Polluting Industries:
Industrial Mining
Large-scale mines create two types of waste: waste rock and tailings. Waste rock is the
material removed to access the ore. Tailings are what remain once the valuable ore is
separated from other sediments. Both waste rock and tailings can leach various heavy
metals, but tailings also often contain cyanide and mercury used in the separation
process for gold mining. Mine waste is rarely stored in a manner that completely
prevents the pollution from migrating, and is often dumped in rivers or piled on land.
Toxins from mine waste can impact humans by leaching into waterways used for
drinking, or by inhalation of dust blown from mine sites. Heavy metals are also stored in
plant and animal tissues and can enter humans indirectly through the food chain.
Artisanal Mining
Artisanal mining refers to informal or small-scale activities that use rudimentary methods
to extract and process ore. This sector is responsible for nearly 20 percent of global
gold production, and employs between 10 and 15 million people—including 4.5 million
women and 600,000 children. To separate gold from sediments, workers combine
mercury with gold-laden silt to form a solid mercury-gold amalgam. The amalgam is
then heated to evaporate the mercury, leaving pure gold. This burning process releases
mercury vapors into the surrounding air. Mercury that is not burned is washed away
with unwanted sediments into local water bodies.
Information in this document is proprietary and copyright Blacksmith Institute. No authorization is granted for its use except by written
permission of Blacksmith Institute. Data is preliminary and provided by third parties. Blacksmith Institute, its agents, officers and contractors
cannot be held liable for errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or matters arising from the use of this information.
Preliminary Data - Not for Public Release
2014 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10035 | t: 212.647 8330 | f: 212.779.8044 | www.blacksmithinstitute.org