Children and Pregnant Mothers in Developing World Face Widespread Exposure to Toxic Lead in Paint Each year, according to World Health Organization figures, childhood lead exposure contributes to an estimated 600,000 new cases of intellectual disabilities, WHO research shows that 99 per cent of children affected by high exposure to lead live in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 143,000 deaths per year result from lead poisoning and lead paint is a major contributor to this. Over the last seven years, studies found unsettling concentrations of lead in African nations: Cameroon, 23,100 ppm; Egypt, 26,200; Nigeria (two studies), 37,000 and 15,750 ppm; Senegal 5,870 ppm; South Africa, 19,860; and Tanzania 14,500 ppm.(ppm-parts per million). While this study shows many nations face a grave problem, it always very clearly demonstrates that established and enforced government regulations on lead levels in paint have a strong positive impact, said Sara Brosche, Project Manager for IPENs lead paint projects. However, paint manufactures have a responsibility to act on their own, particularly when there is virtually no associated negative economic impact for their businesses. There is absolutely no reason why paints with high levels of lead should continue to be sold and poison children. Public Awareness: There is a need for information campaigns in countries where results show the presence of lead paint on the market. These campaigns should inform the public about the hazards of lead exposure, especially in children; the presence of lead decorative paints for sale and use on the national market; lead paint as a significant source of childhood lead exposure; and availability of technically superior and safer alternatives. Letsave our children!
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 23:33:30 +0000
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