Citation

Spiegel SJ. Am. J. Public Health 2009; 99(Suppl 3): S550-8.

Affiliation

Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EN, United Kingdom. samspiegel@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2008.148940

PMID

19890157

PMCID

PMC2774175

Abstract

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that is used by poverty-driven miners to extract gold in more than 50 countries. This article examines efforts of the United Nations to address occupational health and environmental justice amid these challenges, focusing on a 3-year campaign in one of the fastest-growing mining communities in Tanzania. By providing an integrative analysis of environmental health risks, labor practices, public health policies, and drivers of social inequity and marginalization, this study highlights the need for interdisciplinary public health approaches that support community development by strengthening local capacities. It illustrates why, to ensure that the needs of vulnerable populations are met, environmental justice and public health paradigms have to expand beyond the conventionally narrow attention paid to toxic exposure and emissions issues.

Language: en