Dr Louisa Mudawarima a Paediatric Neurologist from the University of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is more at risk of a health hazard related to environmental air pollution of neurotoxin lead paint poisoning. A new study reveals that lead poisoning is threatening Zimbabwe’s people and its economy. This was released on World Environment Day on 5 June on Tuesday in Harare at a workshop attended by environmental stake -holders.
Speaking to delegates among them press pack of media personnel , Dr Clare Donaldson pointed out straight that lead a neurotoxin causes irreversible harm to human health . She further expounded that UNICEF estimates that 3 in 4 children , 5,7 million in Zimbabwe have precarious levels of lead poisoning.
Dr Clare Donaldson Co-Executive Director of the Lead Exposure Elimination Project extended her words pointing out again that lead poisoning in children damages cognitive development . This , she further reiterated , impacts educational attainment and undermines a child’s potential , she gesticulated adding that children with blood lead levels high may score more points lower on intelligence tests than their un-affected peers.
‘’Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause irreversible harm to human health. .In Zimbabwe UNICEF estimates 3 in 4 children which is a population of 5,7 million children have dangerous levels of lead poisoning.
‘’This causes widespread negative health and economic impacts . Lead poisoning irreversibly damages cognitive development . This impacts educational attainment and undermining a child’s potential.
‘’Children with blood lead levels which are high may score points lower on intelligence tests than their un-affected peers . As a result an estimated US 425 million of earning potential is lost each year in Zimbabwe.’’
According to Dr Donaldson , this figure does not include health care costs of lead poisoning . It does not include costs of increase in violent crime that can be associated with lead poisoning . The estimated 5,7 million children in Zimbabwe with lead poisoning have a higher risk of suffering from anaemia , mental illness and serious cardio-vascular diseases.
Dr Louisa Mudawarima a Paediatric Neurologist from the University of Zimbabwe pointed out that the increase and spread of the disease is mainly an effect in children as the study pronounces . He said academics have proved this serious hence the reason why environmental organisations must take lead in controlling the use of lead paints which are toxic.
‘’The study has been conducted by academics from the Paediatric Association of Zimbabwe and the University of Zimbabwe in partnership with LEEP. The study found out that 70% of oil-base-paints and 60% brands sampled from the market in Zimbabwe contain dangerous high levels of lead . In addition 60% of paints have lead content greater than 600 ppm’’
‘’This is high because the recommended concentration limit for total lead is 90 ppm . This is as per set in the Model Law and Guidance for Regulating Lead Paint. This is particularly the case in countries that lack effective regulation ‘’, he said.
Lead paints are widely used in homes and schools . Once applied they become a long-term source of poisoning forming poisonous dust and flakes that can be accidentally ingested . A small amount of lead can cause irreversible harm to children.
Steady Kangata EMA Director for Operations said organisations must work with communities in commitment meant to demonstrate un-wavering support to protect children’s health . This he pointed out , drives sustainable development in a country.
‘’We have to come together with a common purpose to protect the health and well-being of our children . We need to pave the way for a lead free future. Let us come with a road-map meant to lead us to the achievement of goals for good health and protection of our environment for good health’’
‘’EMA will seek to create a draft version of laws specific to Zimbabwe which are informed by international best practices. We aim to do this because we know that a policy solution exists and reformulation is possible’’
‘’Secondly in the coming months , industry stakeholders will start assessing their options for reformulation and planning their journey to use lead free raw-materials . Cost free services will be offered by organisations like LEEP to industry stake-holders looking towards transition.’’
‘’LEEP will work to enhance domestic testing capacity for lead in paint . It will aim to repeat a paints study in two years’ time . The study will provide us with valuable insights into the effectiveness of our other actions and guide us in refining our strategies to further reduce the exposure ‘’. he said in conclusion .
From a policy perspective , Lead paint elimination is achievable and supports the Sustainable Development Goals especially goal number 7 which is on sustainable environment for all. Organisations like LEEP can offer no-cost support to Governments and Manufacturers . LEEP is currentlky in Zimbabwe working to reverse and totally eliminate lead poisoning.
