Dust Exposure and Respiratory Disorders Among Small scale Gold Miners

Background: Gold is the main gemstone mined in Nyamongo, Mara region in the Northern part of Tanzania. Small-scale mine workers in these mines are exposed to different levels of respirable dust leading to increased risk of developing respiratory symptoms. Few studies have been done to determine the level of exposure to respirable dust and assessed related respiratory symptoms among small scale mine workers in Tanzania. Aim: The main objective of this study was to determine respirable dust levels and assess respiratory disorders among small-scale gold miners in Tanzania. Material and Methods: Personal sampling of respirable dust was carried among 40 workers of different job categories in the small scale mine. Side Kick Casela pump connected to conductive plastic cyclone was used to collect dust samples. Gravimetric analysis of sample was used to quantify dust concentrations. A total of 132 workers were interviewed using questions adopted from British Medical Research Council respiratory symptom questionnaire. Respiratory symptoms, individual characteristics and occupation history were solicited. Factors associated with respiratory symptoms were also included in the questionnaire.