Pathologist reports babies in galamsey-prone areas born with deformities including one eye and without genitalia

Children born in areas where illegal mining takes place are exposed to heavy metals used in gold extraction, resulting in cognitive impairment and physical deformities. According to Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at the School of Medical Sciences, KNUST, and Consultant Pathologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), babies born in these areas are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these toxins.

Heavy metals commonly used in gold extraction, such as mercury, cyanide, and lead, are inhaled and ingested into the bloodstream of miners and residents in mining communities. When children and infants inhale these substances or consume contaminated food, they can absorb up to 50% of the heavy metals, compared to adults who can absorb 15-20%.

Prof. Sampene Ossei explained that heavy metals have a high affinity for the gastrointestinal tract of children, including lead. Therefore, when children are exposed to these metals, their brains do not respond to normal stimuli, leading to cognitive impairment. The heavy metals can also cause physical deformities, such as babies being born with their legs forming around the chest, neck, and stomach, or with one eye or without genitalia.

Furthermore, pregnant women living in areas where illegal mining occurs have an increased risk of deformities in their babies due to the high affinity of the placenta for lead. Women living in these areas also have an increased risk of kidney and hypertensive-related conditions. In some cases, mothers and babies die as a result of exposure to these toxins.

–The Post Ghana