AMERICA/MEXICO - Children in mining areas risk lead poisoning

Zacatecas (Agenzia Fides) – Researchers at the United Academy of Nuclear Science of the Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), found that least 70% of children living in mining areas were in danger of lead poisoning. The metal comes from mining activity for precious metals, silver and gold. Intoxication happens mainly due to the clothes of miners who carry home particles and scraps of metal which toddlers learning to walk can easily pick up and put into their mouth.
The researchers hope to promote awareness of the danger, put the workers in a position to take the necessary precautions, and obtain the support of outpatients clinics in order to give babies the nutrition necessary to combat the problem. The experts stress the urgency of recognition on the part of the authorities to recognise the danger of contamination for the infant population of many districts even in the capital where cases of infants with a high level of lead in the blood have been identified. The effects of this sort of poisoning include retarded growth and learning, lower intellectual ratio, and can also cause mental disease when the lead is transmitted by the mother to the child. (AP) (27/10/2015 Agenzia Fides)

Share:

healthcare

---

---