Assessment of Health Impacts of Rock Blasting Activities on Ntotoroso and Gyedu Communities, Ahafo Region, Ghana

The study assessed the health impact of rock blasting on the inhabitants of a farming community near the Newmont Gold Mining Limited mines in Ghana. The study employed both primary and secondary data sources, including questionnaires, interviews, laboratory water quality analysis, and record data for blasting and air quality. The study found that blast vibration, frequency, and overpressure values were above the EPA reference limits of < 88dB, 20 Hz and 2.0 mm/s respectively. All the dust concentrations of TSP and PM₁₀ were found to be within the WHO guidelines except for the major dry seasons (December to February). Also, the respondent survey shown that a majority of respondents suffer from various symptoms such as cough (56.51%), sneezing (72.92%), catarrh (88.28%), sore throat (55.21%), shortness of breath (69.53%), headache (55.21%), and asthma (8.59%). There were, however, significant differences between blasting exposure and the occurrence of chronic cough, catarrh, headache and short breath (p < 0.05). In addition, all the heavy metal parameters were found to be within the WHO guidelines except manganese (Mn). The results of this study are expected to influence relevant stakeholders toward initiating plans that could mitigate the negative mining impacts and avert the related health implications in the study community.