Cancer Risk from Single Galamsey Toxin Exposure Alarms Health Experts

Ghana's illegal mining crisis has escalated into a critical public health emergency, with leading toxicologists warning that even a single exposure to mining-related heavy metals could trigger cancer development.

Groundbreaking Research Reveals Immediate Health Risks

Dr. Ekpor Anyimah-Ackah, a distinguished food systems toxicologist from the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), presented alarming scientific evidence during JoyNews' Newsfile programme. His research, which builds upon growing academic concerns about public health standards, demonstrates that there is no safe threshold for genotoxic agents from galamsey sites.

The Single-Hit Model: Understanding the Threat

The research employs the Single-Hit Model of Carcinogenesis, revealing how arsenic exposure - even from a single instance - can initiate cancer development. This finding has profound implications for institutional accountability and public safety across Ghana.

"Now the core principle is that a single molecular hit to DNA from a genotoxic agent can initiate cancer. A single exposure to arsenic," explains Dr. Anyimah-Ackah.

Infant Population at Severe Risk

A recent study published in the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research reveals disturbing data about infant exposure in the Kadjebi District. The research, which connects to broader national governance challenges, examined 427 infants aged 6-12 months.

Call for Emergency Response

The findings have prompted calls for declaring a State of Emergency, with organizations like A Rocha Ghana and Occupy Ghana citing Article 31(9) of the constitution. The crisis threatens essential community needs including water, food, and public health.