Abstract
Boron, an essential micronutrient at low levels but a potential toxicant at elevated concentrations, poses significant but underrecognized public health risks through groundwater contamination in mining communities. This narrative review synthesizes literature published between 2022 and 2026 to examine the human health risks of boron exposure via groundwater in mining settings, with particular reference to sub- Saharan Africa and Nigeria. Findings reveal that mining activities substantially elevate boron levels in groundwater, often exceeding the WHO guideline of 2.4 mg/L, resulting in documented health effects including reproductive and developmental toxicity, gastrointestinal disturbances, hematological alterations, and skin irritation. Critical gaps persist in community-based biomonitoring, regulatory enforcement, clinical diagnostic protocols, longitudinal epidemiological data, and intersectoral coordination, particularly in lowand middle-income countries where dependence on untreated groundwater is high. The review highlights the acute situation in Osun State, Nigeria, where integrated data on multi-contaminant exposures remain scarce. Public health practitioners are positioned as key agents for bridging policy-practice gaps through enhanced surveillance, community education, clinical capacity building, and advocacy for evidence-based interventions. Sustainable progress requires stronger regulatory frameworks, affordable remediation technologies, and multisectoral collaboration to protect vulnerable populations in mining-affected areas.