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Unveiling the Nexus: Sulphur Dioxide Exposure, Proximity to Mining, and Respiratory Illnesses in Kankoyo: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

Author

Listed:
  • Sipiwe Chihana

    (School of ICT, Copperbelt University Jambo Drive, Riverside, Kitwe P.O. Box 21692, Zambia)

  • Jameson Mbale

    (School of ICT, Copperbelt University Jambo Drive, Riverside, Kitwe P.O. Box 21692, Zambia)

  • Nchimunya Chaamwe

    (School of ICT, Copperbelt University Jambo Drive, Riverside, Kitwe P.O. Box 21692, Zambia)

Abstract

The emission of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) from mining activities presents significant health hazards, particularly to communities near industrial zones. This mixed-methods study investigates the nexus between (SO 2 ) exposure and respiratory health in Kankoyo Township, Zambia. Employing community engagement, expert interviews, spatial analysis, and a retrospective examination of 15 years of health and (SO 2 ) data, the research identified a troubling correlation between (SO 2 ) exposure and adverse respiratory health effects among the local population. Expert interviews highlighted that respiratory issues constituted approximately 75 % of health complications, with a notable reduction in asthma cases following the installation of a monitoring station and upgrades to smelter operations. Spatial analysis demonstrated that (SO 2 ) levels in Kankoyo exceeded the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) limits by 1713 % identifying it as a significant pollution hotspot. Additionally, wind profile analysis indicated frequent low-speed winds from the east-northeast (ENE), contributing to pollutant accumulation. Based on these insights, the study recommends implementing real-time pollution data sharing, affordable air quality sensors, addressing medication shortages, establishing specialized respiratory clinics, launching IT-driven awareness campaigns, and further research into additional pollutants and confounding factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Sipiwe Chihana & Jameson Mbale & Nchimunya Chaamwe, 2024. "Unveiling the Nexus: Sulphur Dioxide Exposure, Proximity to Mining, and Respiratory Illnesses in Kankoyo: A Mixed-Methods Investigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-29, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:850-:d:1425251
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Susan C. Anenberg & Anna Belova & Jørgen Brandt & Neal Fann & Sue Greco & Sarath Guttikunda & Marie‐Eve Heroux & Fintan Hurley & Michal Krzyzanowski & Sylvia Medina & Brian Miller & Kiran Pandey & Joa, 2016. "Survey of Ambient Air Pollution Health Risk Assessment Tools," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 36(9), pages 1718-1736, September.
    2. Chomba Kolala & Bridget Bwalya Umar, 2019. "National benefits, local costs? Local residents' views on environmental and social effects of large‐scale mining in Chingola, Zambia," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 43(4), pages 205-217, November.
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