Objectives:

Develop an assessment of socio-demographic conditions influence as well significant associations among occupational safety conditions and health effects prevalence on gold small-scale miners vulnerability in Colombia.

Material and Methods:

Cross-sectional study with analytical intent conducted with secondary sources of socio-demographic, labor, condition and health effects variables associated with the practice of gold mining and the use of mercury, records n=367. The performance of tests and statistical estimates of rigor at a confidence level of 95% (p<0.05).

Results:

Women are mostly illiterate aged 45 to 49. The effects on physical condition and health associated with their work demonstrate the prevalence of alterations such as loss of: strength, vision and hair. The linear regressions between the organic concentrations of Hg (blood, urine and hair) and the time of performance of this work, indicate that there are significant proportional associations (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

The assessment of occupational safety measures might have a significant impact on potential risks reduction associated with mercury usage and exposure, mainly in population segments with higher vulnerability tendencies.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )