Africa is 2nd hardest hit region with cases of lead poisoning among children- UNICEF report

 


The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Pure Earth’s report- “The Toxic Truth Children’s exposure to lead pollution undermines a generation of potential” has revealed the massive effect of lead poisoning among children with Africa ranking second hardest hit region.

The report states that lead is a potent neurotoxin which is exposed to children through lead in water from the use of leaded pipes, lead from mining industry, toys, cosmetic products and ayurvedic medicines.

In Ghana, utensils made from scrap materials are a major source of the exposure. This wrecks irreparable harm to a child’s brain and more dangerous to children under age five.

The study which was undertaken by the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation to analyze childhood lead exposure, features five case studies in Bangladesh, Georgia, Ghana, Indonesia and Mexico.

Richard Fuller, President of Pure Earth gives some hope as he believes safe recycling, education about the dangers and protection will go a long way in curbing the problem.

He said “the good news is that lead can be recycled safely without exposing workers, their children and surrounding neighbourhood.”

Source: environmentalprissues.blogspot.com

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