The most significant health risk in ASGM is mercury exposure. Mercury is used in the amalgamation process to extract gold from ore. When mercury is handled, heated, or disposed of improperly, it can vaporize and enter the atmosphere, posing serious health risks. Chronic exposure can lead to neurological damage, kidney dysfunction, and respiratory issues. Additionally, communities may face bioaccumulation of mercury in local food sources, particularly fish, leading to widespread health concerns.
