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

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim Over 200 million people in developing and industrialized countries are exposed to arsenic poisoning. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) 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. Materials and Methods The study recruited 65 participants, each from artisanal and incorporated mining companies, who have lived in the community for a minimum of 5 years since the mining activity began. The kidney function of the participants was assessed using urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (uACR), whiles the Particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ) in air was measured using the Modular Air Quality System (MAQS). Urine Arsenic levels were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). A line graph was used to illustrate the trend in PM levels whilst Chi‐square analysis was used to compare the general health status, and risk of kidney disease. Results and Discussion PM 2.5 levels in the artisanal mining community exceeded the WHO standard of 35 µg/m 3 , while PM 10 levels in the incorporated mining community were above the WHO standard of 70 µg/m 3 . More individuals in the artisanal mining community were at risk of kidney disease ( p = 0.006) compared to the incorporated mining community. Conclusion The inhabitants of the artisanal mining community are at a higher risk of air pollution related disorders and kidney diseases whereas those in the incorporated mining community exhibit poorer general health status.

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