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

Sipiwe Chihana (), Jameson Mbale and Nchimunya Chaamwe
Additional contact information
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

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 7, 1-29

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.

Keywords: sulphur dioxide exposure; mining and health impact; respiratory illnesses; community health monitoring; mixed-methods research; air pollution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/7/850/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/7/850/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:850-:d:1425251

Access Statistics for this article

IJERPH is currently edited by Ms. Jenna Liu

More articles in IJERPH from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().