IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v17y2020i24p9384-d462636.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Respiratory Health and Urinary Trace Metals among Artisanal Stone-Crushers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Author

Listed:
  • Tony Kayembe-Kitenge

    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Irene Kabange Umba

    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

  • Paul Musa Obadia

    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Sebastien Mbuyi-Musanzayi

    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

  • Patient Nkulu Banza

    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

  • Patrick D. M. C. Katoto

    (Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
    Department of Internal Medicine and Prof Lurhuma Biomedical Research Laboratory, Mycobacterium Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

  • Cyrille Katshiez Nawej

    (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kolwezi, Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

  • Georges Kalenga Ilunga

    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

  • Vincent Haufroid

    (Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Célestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu

    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

  • Tim Nawrot

    (Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Benoit Nemery

    (Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium)

Abstract

Background: Thousands of artisanal workers are exposed to mineral dusts from various origins in the African Copperbelt. We determined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and urinary metals among artisanal stone-crushers in Lubumbashi. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 48 male artisanal stone-crushers and 50 male taxi-drivers using a standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Concentrations of trace metals were measured by Inductively Coupled - Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in urine spot samples. Results: Urinary Co, Ni, As, and Se were higher in stone-crushers than in control participants. Wheezing was more prevalent ( p = 0.021) among stone-crushers (23%) than among taxi-drivers (6%). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the job of a stone-crusher was associated to wheezing (adjusted Odds Ratio 4.45, 95% Confidence Interval 1.09–18.24). Stone-crushers had higher values (% predicted) than taxi-drivers for Forced Vital Capacity (105.4 ± 15.9 vs. 92.2 ± 17.8, p = 0.048), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (104.4 ± 13.7 vs. 88.0 ± 19.6, p = 0.052), and Maximum Expiratory Flow at 25% of the Forced Vital Capacity (79.0.1 ± 20.7 vs. 55.7 ± 30.1, p = 0.078). Conclusion: Stone-crushers were more heavily exposed to mineral dust and various trace elements than taxi-drivers, and they had a fourfold increased risk of reporting wheezing, but they did not have evidence of more respiratory impairment than taxi-drivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Tony Kayembe-Kitenge & Irene Kabange Umba & Paul Musa Obadia & Sebastien Mbuyi-Musanzayi & Patient Nkulu Banza & Patrick D. M. C. Katoto & Cyrille Katshiez Nawej & Georges Kalenga Ilunga & Vincent Hau, 2020. "Respiratory Health and Urinary Trace Metals among Artisanal Stone-Crushers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lubumbashi, DR Congo," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9384-:d:462636
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/24/9384/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/24/9384/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Célestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu & Lidia Casas & Vincent Haufroid & Thierry De Putter & Nelly D. Saenen & Tony Kayembe-Kitenge & Paul Musa Obadia & Daniel Kyanika Wa Mukoma & Jean-Marie Lunda Ilunga & Tim , 2018. "Sustainability of artisanal mining of cobalt in DR Congo," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 1(9), pages 495-504, September.
    2. Marwan M. Draid & Khaled M. Ben-Elhaj & Ashraf M. Ali & Kendra K. Schmid & Shawn G. Gibbs, 2015. "Lung Function Impact from Working in the Pre-Revolution Libyan Quarry Industry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-7, May.
    3. Suresh Kumar Singh & G. R. Chowdhary & Gopal Purohit, 2006. "Assessment of Impact of High Particulate Concentration on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate of Lungs of Sand Stone Quarry Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-5, December.
    4. Suresh Kumar Singh & G. R. Chowdhary & V. D. Chhangani & Gopal Purohit, 2007. "Quantification of Reduction in Forced Vital Capacity of Sand Stone Quarry Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-5, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Anni Orola & Anna Härri & Jarkko Levänen & Ville Uusitalo & Stig Irving Olsen, 2022. "Assessing WELBY Social Life Cycle Assessment Approach through Cobalt Mining Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-26, September.
    2. Gutsch, Moritz & Leker, Jens, 2024. "Costs, carbon footprint, and environmental impacts of lithium-ion batteries – From cathode active material synthesis to cell manufacturing and recycling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 353(PB).
    3. Didier Malamba-Lez & Désire Tshala-Katumbay & Virginie Bito & Jean-Michel Rigo & Richie Kipenge Kyandabike & Eric Ngoy Yolola & Philippe Katchunga & Béatrice Koba-Bora & Dophra Ngoy-Nkulu, 2021. "Concurrent Heavy Metal Exposures and Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Case-Control Study from the Katanga Mining Area of the Democratic Republic of Congo," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-21, May.
    4. Shi, Qing & Sun, Xiaoqi & Xu, Man & Wang, Mengjiao, 2022. "The multiplex network structure of global cobalt industry chain," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    5. Yongyou Nie & Yuhan Wang & Lu Li & Haolan Liao, 2023. "Literature Review on Power Battery Echelon Reuse and Recycling from a Circular Economy Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-28, February.
    6. Fabian Schoden & Anna Katharina Schnatmann & Tomasz Blachowicz & Hildegard Manz-Schumacher & Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp, 2022. "Circular Design Principles Applied on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-32, November.
    7. Hermínio Cossa & Rahel Scheidegger & Andrea Leuenberger & Priska Ammann & Khátia Munguambe & Jürg Utzinger & Eusébio Macete & Mirko S. Winkler, 2021. "Health Studies in the Context of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-24, February.
    8. Namahoro, Jean Pierre & Wu, Qiaosheng & Hui, Su, 2023. "Asymmetric linkage between copper-cobalt productions and economic growth: Evidence from Republic Democratic of Congo," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    9. Hugh Miller & Simon Dikau & Romain Svartzman & Stéphane Dees, 2023. "The Stumbling Block in ‘the Race of our Lives’: Transition-Critical Materials, Financial Risks and the NGFS Climate Scenarios," Working papers 907, Banque de France.
    10. Maysaa Nemer & Rita Giacaman & Abdullatif Husseini, 2020. "Lung Function and Respiratory Health of Populations Living Close to Quarry Sites in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-13, August.
    11. Clément Longondjo Etambakonga & Julia Roloff, 2020. "Protecting Environment or People? Pitfalls and Merits of Informal Labour in the Congolese Recycling Industry," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 161(4), pages 815-834, February.
    12. Anatoliy A. Vereshchagin & Arseniy Y. Kalnin & Alexey I. Volkov & Daniil A. Lukyanov & Oleg V. Levin, 2022. "Key Features of TEMPO-Containing Polymers for Energy Storage and Catalytic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-50, April.
    13. Stutz, Adrian & Schell, Sabrina & Hack, Andreas, 2022. "In family firms we trust – Experimental evidence on the credibility of sustainability reporting: A replication study with extension," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 13(4).
    14. Liu, Haiping & Li, Huajiao & Qi, Yajie & An, Pengli & Shi, Jianglan & Liu, Yanxin, 2021. "Identification of high-risk agents and relationships in nickel, cobalt, and lithium trade based on resource-dependent networks," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    15. Zhu-Jun Wang & Zhen-Song Chen & Qin Su & Kwai-Sang Chin & Witold Pedrycz & Mirosław J. Skibniewski, 2024. "Enhancing the sustainability and robustness of critical material supply in electrical vehicle market: an AI-powered supplier selection approach," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 342(1), pages 921-958, November.
    16. Ben Sadiki & Fabien Ilunga & Michel Shengo, 2023. "Dispersal Mechanisms of Trace Metal Elements in the Environment: The Case of Mineral Wastes Stored in Tshamilemba District of the City of Lubumbashi, DR Congo," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-18, March.
    17. Liu, Wei & Li, Xin & Liu, Chunyan & Wang, Minxi & Liu, Litao, 2023. "Resilience assessment of the cobalt supply chain in China under the impact of electric vehicles and geopolitical supply risks," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    18. Seck, Gondia Sokhna & Hache, Emmanuel & Barnet, Charlène, 2022. "Potential bottleneck in the energy transition: The case of cobalt in an accelerating electro-mobility world," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    19. Elbel, Johanna & Bose O'Reilly, Stephan & Hrzic, Rok, 2023. "A European Union corporate due diligence act for whom? Considerations about the impact of a European Union due diligence act on artisanal and small-scale cobalt miners in the Democratic Republic of Co," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    20. Chloe Brown & Doreen S. Boyd & Siddharth Kara, 2022. "Landscape Analysis of Cobalt Mining Activities from 2009 to 2021 Using Very High Resolution Satellite Data (Democratic Republic of the Congo)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-20, August.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9384-:d:462636. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.