(High lead levels in children around Agbogbloshie(22/6/09)

STUDIES have revealed high levels of lead in the system of children living in the immediate vicinity of Agbogbloshie, as a result of the people engaging in electronic waste (e-waste).
The hazard, which has long term effects such as cancers and chronic diseases, will result in imminent public health crises for which huge sums of money, which could be used for more profitable ventures such as the construction of infrastructure, would be channelled to control the crises.
This was stated by the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Alfred Vanderpuije, in a speech read on his behalf at a health forum organised by the Greater Accra Regional Coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in health, on the theme: “Effective collaboration and partnership with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in quality health care delivery” in Accra.
He said innocent people who were unaware of the health hazards associated with the e-waste were engaged in the extraction of lead and other metals by burning the gadgets, thus releasing noxious fumes into the atmosphere, resulting in respiratory diseases for the residents of the surrounding areas.
He said manufacturers of the electronic gadgets had found new dumping sites for their obsolete products in developing countries.
That, Mr Vanderpuije said, was partly due to the loose controls at the entry points in developing countries.
He said the city was confronted with another environmental challenge, the increasing population in the city.
He said that had resulted in the emergence of slums in most parts of Accra.
He noted that housing was inadequate, and sewage facilities and proper waste disposal were virtually non-existent in most places.
The metropolitan chief executive said the city was wallowing in filth as the 2,000 tons of waste generated daily outstripped the daily collection of 1,500 tons of waste from the dumping sites.
He said challenges like these could not be handled by the city authorities alone, and therefore, stressed the need for collaboration and partnership with CSOs for an effective environmental health maintenance in the city.
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs in Health, Mr Eric Agbozo, said the forum was to identify gaps in the regional health review and find workable solutions through partnership with the necessary stakeholders.
He said the coalition was ready to partner with stakeholders in the health sector to deliver quality health care to the public.