Introduction.

Chemical substances are highly toxic elements due to the ingestion of metallic fumes. La Oroya is a mining city that comprises a set of smelters and refineries, ranked as the fifth most polluted worldwide, causing detrimental health effects; however, there are health professionals who work at the hospital in that locality.

Objective.

Identify, analyze and understand the meaning of health in hospital professionals when living in a mining city.

Methods.

Qualitative study, based on the analysis of social representations. Thirteen health professionals with a minimum of 10 years working were selected, divided into foreign and rooted natives. The technique was the semi-structured in-depth interview. A guide of questions constructed through the universe of beliefs was applied. ATLASti was used as textual analysis software.

Results.

The health and wellness category was identified, linked to two subcategories: psychosocial (objective in good interpersonal relationships) and tranquility of life. And physical aspects, which includes healthy practices and health problems.

Conclusions.

The meaning of health was to face a new way of life by defying pollution in a mining city. The foreigners presented more health problems than the rooted natives and did not have adequate physical activity. Both groups generated new customs, motivated by the economic benefit of maintaining good relationships with patients and coworkers and the vocation of professional service.

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