The toxic legacy of galamsey: How mercury and cyanide from illegal mining are poisoning our water bodies

Illegal mining, also known as Galamsey, is indeed biting hard.

The effects are palpable in our communities and most importantly, our water bodies.

People are dying, and children are being born deformed. But what really are the causal factors, and how is galamsey leading to deformities?

The answer lies with two highly toxic substances; Cyanide and Mercury.

The toxic duo is used to cleanse gold, but at a high price. They contaminate waterways and poison communities.

Cyanide is a highly toxic substance that can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

Once inside, it rapidly binds to cells, disrupting their ability to use oxygen.

This leads to:

– Rapid heart rate and breathing difficulties
– Dizziness and headaches
– Nausea and vomiting
– Seizures and even death

For Mercury, the effects are even deadlier.

When the neurotoxin enters the body, it accumulates in the brain, kidneys, and liver, causing:

– Neurological damage like, tremors, memory loss, and cognitive impairment
– Kidney damage and potential failure and;
– Birth defects and developmental delays, if exposed during pregnancy

It’s in no doubt exposure to both Cyanide and Mercury can have devastating consequences, but in the end, the onus lies on government, to find urgent solutions to the matter.

 

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