Understanding the etiology of trace element-related noncommunicable diseases - Reviewing the Ghanaian situation

Deficiencies and toxicities of trace elements associated with rock geochemistry have been identified in the etiology of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) including liver and cardiovascular diseases among others in humans and animals. However, insufficient data linking geology and health in developing countries linked with the underdevelopment of the discipline of medical geology poses a significant challenge in isolating the source and cause of many of these NCDs. A review of the geology of Ghana suggests that the presence of oxides and sulfide minerals released into the natural environment during the geological process of weathering introduces both essential and potentially harmful elements. Of great concern is the fact that a majority of the Ghanaian population rely on locally cultivated food and water from their immediate vicinity (many times with limited treatment) for nourishment. Certain concentrations of several elements (including As, F, Rn, Hg, Se, Cd, Mn, and Pb) in different geological settings have been identified to influence the prevalence of NCDs in those regions. Furthermore, archived reports on the quality of Ghana's rural drinking water indicate that most of the aquifers are enriched in As and F while being deficient in Mg. The concentrations of these elements in drinking water have been linked to fluorosis, kidney and heart diseases as well as an elevated risk of diabetes. This review has identified the concentrations of a number of elements in different geological settings and have linked these concentrations with health issues. There is therefore a need for medical geologists to work together with other disciplines to devise preventive as well as mitigative techniques in addressing many geological-related health issues in Ghana.