Global Environmental Health Impacts of Rare Earth Metals: Insights for Research and Policy Making in Africa

Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo (), Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen (), Emmanuel O. Taiwo, Abdulbasit Opeyemi Muili, Rashidat Onyinoyi Yusuf, Sarat Ayomide Jimoh, Muhammad Kamaldeen Oladipo, Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye, Oluwaseyi Muyiwa Egbewande, Yusuff Inaolaji Sodiq, Abdulhakeem Funsho Ahmed and Mona Said El-Sherbini ()
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Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Emmanuel O. Taiwo: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Maitama, Abuja 900103, Nigeria
Abdulbasit Opeyemi Muili: Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo/Ilorin Rd, Ogbomosho 210214, Nigeria
Rashidat Onyinoyi Yusuf: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Sarat Ayomide Jimoh: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Muhammad Kamaldeen Oladipo: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Iyiola Olatunji Oladunjoye: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Oluwaseyi Muyiwa Egbewande: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Yusuff Inaolaji Sodiq: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan-Ife Rd, Ife 220101, Nigeria
Abdulhakeem Funsho Ahmed: Institute of Basic and Applied Science, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Kwara State Polytechnic, P.M.B. 1375, Ilorin 241103, Nigeria
Mona Said El-Sherbini: Nova Network, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA

Challenges, 2023, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: The rise of globalization and industrialization has driven the demand for rare earth metals (REMs). These metals are widely used in various sectors of the global economy with various applications in medicine, renewable energy, electronics, agriculture, and the military. REMs are likely to remain an important part of our global future, and, as production increases, areas contaminated by REMs are expected to expand over the coming decades. Thus, triggering significant adverse environmental, animal, and human health impacts. Despite increased attention on REMs outside China in recent years, there are limited studies exploring REM production, deposits, and associated health impacts in the African context. Proper mine management, adequate safety protocols, sustainable processing methods, and waste handling systems have been identified and proposed globally; however, the nature and scale of implementing these management protocols on the African continent have been less clear. Therefore, planetary health-centered solutions are urgently needed to be undertaken by researchers, policy makers, and non-governmental actors in Africa and across the globe. This is with the overarching aim of ensuring eco-friendly alternatives and public health consciousness on REM exploitations and hazards for future generations to come.

Keywords: rare earth metals; environmental health impacts; policy and research; planetary health; Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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