M9.4 Heavy Metals

Lead poisoning is a very serious issue that has been discussed frequently in the media. As a result of major health problems discussed in the past, certain precautions have been put into effect such as the removal of lead from gasoline. Childhood lead poisoning has been identified to be one of the leading causes of childhood deaths in the 1900's. Lead-containing paint was a major issue that only became an issue in 1914. Acute poisoning led to developmental delays, long-term deficits or even death. Lead toxicity dangerously affects the central nervous system as it competes with calcium at the receptor sites. Clinical manifestations include clumsiness, weakness and paralysis among others. It also affects reproductive organs in both men and women.

An outbreak in Nigeria was reported in 2010 where the soil was severely contaminated with lead from artisnal gold ore. This outbreak led to over 400 deaths of children under five years old. A remediation effort was put forth by the Joint United Nations Environment Program/Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Environment Unit (JEU). The effort was three-fold, first to provide exposure reduction, create legislative responses to health crises and ensure safer mining practices. The intervention spanned four years where 2,400 children received chelation therapy and saw a significant decrease in blood lead levels. The overall effort was declared a success in Nigeria, and similar programs and efforts should be put in place prior to these crises around the world.