Hormonal Disorders among Stone Miners in Igarra, Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mining releases several reproductive toxicants during mining processes and occupationally exposed miners could be directly affected. The awareness of reproductive health hazards may help modify the lifestyle of individuals at risk. This study seeks to determine the hormonal status of occupationally exposed male stone miners in Edo North, Edo, Nigeria. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone were determined in 146 stone miners age range 18-40 years and 50 age-matched non-occupationally male subjects using enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay method. Data were compared using chi square or Students t-test as appropriate. Serum LH and testosterone were significantly lower (p<0.001) while serum FSH and prolactin were significantly higher (p<0.001) among stone miners than non-stone miners. The hormonal imbalance was observed among 30.8% of stone miners and hormonal disorders observed were 6.2% with hyperprolactinaemia, 24.7% with hypogonadism while 69.2% had normal hormone levels. Hormonal abnormalities are common among stone miners. Further study involving a large population is required to know the magnitude of the potential danger to reproductive health in humans.