| Title: |
O-192 LEAD AS A SERIOUS LONG-TERM HEALTH HAZARD OF CHILDREN IN A MINING AREA IN ZAMBIA |
| Authors: |
Bose-O’Reilly, Stephan; Mufune, Tiza; Moonga, Given; Yabe, John |
| Source: |
Occupational Medicine ; volume 74, issue Supplement_1, page 0-0 ; ISSN 0962-7480 1471-8405 |
| Publisher Information: |
Oxford University Press (OUP) |
| Publication Year: |
2024 |
| Description: |
Introduction For decades large-scale zinc and lead mining was performed in Kabwe, Zambia. The area is heavily polluted with toxic lead dust from the past, but still today uncovered tailing hills contaminate the near-by housing areas. This exposure is a specific hazard for children. The objective is to share information of lead related health hazards in Kabwe. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 to 2021 with 11,196 children. Blood lead levels and clinical data were assessed. Results WHO considers blood lead level 5 µg/dL as levels of concern and at levels above 45 µg/dL a medical treatment is indicated. Latest figures for Kabwe show that in townships close to the mining area 95% of the children exceed the level of concern and 15% of the children perceived treatment. Clinical parameters are just evaluated and will be presented. Discussion The results of former lead studies in Kabwe and this study proved that lead exposure is a serious health hazard for children. Conclusions The main problem remains - the lead emissions continue. The reasons for this failure are multiple and need to be discussed on the background of poverty, industry liabilities, good governance, and externalization of global pollution. Kabwe is not unique, there are many lead contaminated sites globally. Lead as a toxic substance demands more political attention and willingness to act to protect the health of each child. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.1093/occmed/kqae023.0955 |
| Availability: |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae023.0955; https://academic.oup.com/occmed/article-pdf/74/Supplement_1/0/58451602/kqae023.0955.pdf |
| Rights: |
https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.1B580AD7 |
| Database: |
BASE |