The extraction and processing of minerals containing copper, cobalt and other metals in southern Katanga have been demonstrated to cause substantial exposure to potentially toxic metals not only among mine workers, but also among their families and the general population. The public health impact of such pollution is difficult to assess but evidence of adverse health effects is emerging. (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health/NIOSH, UM Center for Occupational Health & Safety Engineering/COHSE, Education & Research Center/ERC).

Ben Nemery is holder of degrees in medicine, occupational medicine and toxicology. He’s affiliated with the Medical Faculty of the KU Leuven since 1987. He founded the Lung Toxicology, research unit, a joint venture between the departments of Pneumology & Occupational, Environmental and Insurance Medicine. He teaches toxicology and occupational medicine, mainly at postgraduate level. He holds a weekly outpatient clinic for occupational pulmonary disorders. His research involves experimental as well as clinical-epidemiological studies in the mechanisms of lung disease caused by occupational and environmental pollutants. Recently he has concentrated on occupational and environmental health in Africa. He has authored over 300 journal publications and contributed to more than 40 books.