Curious Minds Ghana educates students on lead poisoning dangers
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
Approximately 200 students from selected schools in the Greater Accra Region were recently provided with crucial education on the dangers of lead exposure and the potential risks of lead poisoning.
This educational initiative was spearheaded by Curious Minds Ghana during a colloquium, where students had the opportunity to interact with representatives from prominent organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Ghana Health Service (GHS), and Pure Earth, an environmental non-governmental organization conducting research on lead prevalence in communities across Ghana.
Kingsley Obeng-Kyereh, the Executive Coordinator of Curious Minds, emphasized the importance of avoiding lead exposure.
He advised the students to refrain from handling materials that contain lead, as approximately one in every three children is exposed to this toxic substance.
Common sources of lead exposure include batteries, kohl (eyeliners), ayilɔ (bentonite clay), and paint, among others.
Instead, he encouraged the students to focus on their studies and protect their potential.
Dr. Emmanuel Kyeremanteng-Amoah, representing UNICEF, cautioned the students to stay away from trash heaps and smoke from burning, as exposure to these pollution sources can lead to negative neurological and behavioral consequences, which can ultimately affect their academic performance.
Dr. Caesar Nyadezor, on behalf of the Director General of the GHS, educated the students about the devastating effects of lead on the population, emphasizing that some of these effects, especially those involving the brain and nervous system, are irreversible.
During the colloquium, Blessing Enyonam Gbadago, a researcher, presented findings regarding the extent of lead usage and its effects in various regions of Ghana.
The education provided during this colloquium is especially timely as a recent report authored by Pure Earth and UNICEF reveals that about 800 million children worldwide have high blood lead levels at or above five micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL).
In Ghana, a significant number of children are suffering from lead poisoning, with the informal and substandard recycling of lead-acid batteries and improper electronic waste disposal being significant sources of lead exposure.
This contamination has put many Ghanaian children at risk of lead exposure through polluted air, water, and soil.
Up to 50 percent of lead-acid batteries in low-and-middle-income countries like Ghana are informally processed, leading to a rise in childhood lead exposure.
The consequences of lead poisoning can range from developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems in children to health issues in adults, including cardiovascular problems, kidney damage, and reproductive health complications.
The efforts of organizations like Curious Minds Ghana, UNICEF, and Pure Earth are vital in raising awareness about the dangers of lead poisoning and equipping students with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their communities.
