Lead poisoning is not confined to oppressed countries like Nigeria—nor to mines based on artisanal methods of work. In the South Australian town of Port Pirie, it is estimated that more than 3,000 children were subject to lead poisoning in the years 2002 to 2012 due to the effects of the lead smelting plant located close to densely populated areas. Experts stated only last month that children in the town continue to suffer lead poisoning as a result of the plant’s operations. Professor Chris Winder, a professor of toxicology and occupational health and safety at the Australian Catholic University, said, “Port Pirie remains a heavily contaminated city from over 120 years of emissions from its lead smelter.” He added lead emissions from the smelter “fall on all surfaces in the town and the exposure will continue as long as the smelter regards pollution of the environment and the local community as acceptable practice.”
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:14:03 +0000