Parents beware, danger may be lurking on living room walls, other painted surfaces

Experts say lead poisoning is partly due to paint peeling off walls and other surfaces and contaminating air, water and food. [PHOTO: COURTESY/STANDARD]

NAIROBI: Continued exposure of children to lead poisoning is weakening their intellectual abilities, experts have warned.

Faridah Were, the Senior Principal Researcher at Kenya Industrial Research Development Institute (Kirdi), cautioned yesterday that exposure of children to lead in paints, toys and household furniture may make them to have learning difficulties.

Dr Were spoke as the world marks the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to raise awareness on exposure of children to the toxic substance in the homes, schools and other places.

“Children under six years absorb lead five times more than adults. This is due to increased hand to mouth activities, extended outdoor activities and hygienic habits. This poses a great risk to them,” she said

She added: “Children exposed to high quantities of lead often have serious learning difficulties and perform poorly in school. We need to protect our children from lead poisoning.”

The researcher also said exposure of pregnant women puts the foetuses at a risk.

CONTAMINATE FOOD

Scientists say the lead poisoning is usually as a result of paint peeling off and contaminating air, soil, water and food. Lead dust is also emitted in very large quantities during demolitions and renovations..

She appealed to all manufacturers including those producing lead and toys  to voluntarily eliminate the use of lead in their products to protect children from exposure.

“It is possible to have high-quality and durable paints in Kenya which don’t have lead. In other countries like the United States, use of lead in paints was discontinued many years ago,” she said

Nema Deputy Director for Environment Education and Public Awareness Betty Nzioka said they have come up with guidelines to regulate handling of poisonous chemicals and compounds in the country.

She said that lead, which has been a major pollutant in the country, has successfully been eliminated from motor vehicle fuel.

A study carried out last year by by a non-governmental organisation called Ilima, found that many oil-based paints had high concentrations of lead.

Related Topics

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