Lead poison kills 400 in Zamfara –Human Right Watch

Beware..a must read!!!

An international human rights researcher and advocacy group known as  Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said that lead poisoning epidemic had killed
about 400 children in parts of Zamfara state since 2010. However HRW stated that about $4m will be needed to clean up the lead-poisoned in the affected parts of Zamfara State.
Note; Mineral rich state with significant deposits of gold are prone to lead poisoning as people can be affected during mining by using their rudimentary tools.
According to HRW’s Deputy Program Director, Babatunde Olugboji, stated that the situation in the state needs urgent intervention by the Federal Government as the efforts of the state government are no longer   sufficient. He said, “The experts are saying about $4m is needed to be committed to cleaning up of the state. They are saying if they start now there is a very huge possibility that they can finish by June, which is when the raining season will start. It means they have a very small window because it is best done during the dry season otherwise it can be reversed if done during the raining season.”
Olugboji said the Federal Government needed to release funds for the purpose and show sufficient political will. Also, the group’s Health Researcher, Jane Cohen, who described the outbreak of lead poisoning in the state as unprecedented in human history, said the solution required was of three parts, all of which must be executed together.
Cohen said, “There is a three-part solution which must be done together. The parts are a safer mining practices must be implemented; an environmental cleaning up of the affected area must be conducted and all children at risk of lead poisoning must be tested and treated.”

Chronic lead exposure may cause the following symptoms.

General physical symptoms in children and adults (usually seen when lead poisoning levels are severe)

Stomachaches, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting
Persistent, unexplained fatigue
Headache
Muscle weakness
Children with chronic low blood lead levels who may not have obvious symptoms of lead poisoning may have learning problems and be smaller in size than children their age who do not have low to moderate levels of lead poisoning. Studies have shown that declines in IQ can even be seen in children with blood lead concentrations below 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.

Behavioral symptoms in children

Irritability or aggressiveness
Hyperactivity, being easily distracted, impulsiveness
Learning problems
Lack of interest in play
Loss of appetite

Behavioral symptoms in adults

Irritability
Unexplained changes in mood or personality
Changes in sleep patterns
Inability to concentrate
Memory loss

Neurological symptoms (caused by effects of lead on the nervous system) 

Poor coordination
Weakness in hands and feet
Headaches
Seizures
Paralysis
Coma
Diagnosing lead poisoning can be difficult, because many other conditions cause similar symptoms.
Severe symptoms of acute lead poisoning can include seizures, unconsciousness, paralysis or swelling in the brain. But exposure to such a high level of lead is not common. If you experience these symptoms, get emergency medical care.

'Abeg' any body that knows the minister of health should send this message across or any body that knows somebody in power should as well 'beg' them deliver this message to Oga FG?

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