Through research, AGENDA learned about existing regulations (voluntary and compulsory) concerning lead in paints in Tanzania and collaborated with regulators to produce materials based on this information. Additionally, AGENDA used brochures, news articles, and a previous project report to inform paint producers, distributors, and consumers about the human and environmental hazards from leaded paint and leaded paint products.
ECOVISION organizeed an awareness campaign with local authorities, NGOs and rural farmers concerning the terrible contamination from obsolete pesticides in the Kvemi Kartli on of Georgia.
In order to understand the contamination from heavy metals in Moldovan fish (imported and domestic) ECOTOX analyzed fish bought in local markets and fish farms, identified the supply chain of imported fish, summarized data from previous sampling projects, organized a round table with local fish farmers, and disseminated information found from their work through TV media. These efforts produced a wealth of data on the levels of heavy metals found in many species of fish.
Using survey questions and formative research methods developed with IPEN, PROBICOU identified several mercury contaminated hot spots in and around the area of Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga. These hot spots are all located in close proximity to industrial sites that are known to produce mercury contaminants. Fish samples and hair samples were collected and analyzed. In the process of collecting samples, activists noted that they were able to share vital information with local fisherman about the dangers of mercury exposure.
UNETMAC collected samples from 50 paint containers to test for lead content. Samples were prepared in Uganda and sent to the US for analysis. Out of the eight brands of the paint samples tested, three brands were found to contain significant concentrations of lead. Additionally, 1,000 fact sheets about lead in paint were prepared, produced, and disseminated at a press conference and later at a workshop of the National Environment Management Authority.
Description will be updated shortly.
As a way of promoting the safe handling of medical waste and mercury-containing equipment, BaliFokus began by assessing the handling of mercury-containing devices and general medical waste management systems in local hospitals. After administering surveys and examining hospital waste management policies, organizers educated hospital staff about the dangers of medical waste incineration and existing alternatives to mercury-containing equipment.
Eco-Sense conducted several activities as part of its continuing efforts to inform the public about the dangers of mercury pollution. These included translating five informative fact sheets about mercury (how toxic it is, how it is used by the health care industry, how one becomes exposed to it through fish consumption, how to manage small spills, and what alternatives exist) into Macedonian. Eco-Sense also contracted with the Chemistry Institute to test 33 hair samples for mercury.
In 2010, the NGO groundWork (Friends of the Earth South Africa) convened over 65 farmers from around the country who expressed a desire to educate themselves about the safe handling and proper use of pesticides. Over the course of two days, participants took part in educational sessions that included guided tours of farms practicing permaculture and organic practices. Other interactive discussion sessions featured conversations about basic workplace safety.
In this project Groupe d’Action pour la Promotion et la Protection de la Flore et la Faune (GAPROFFA) surveyed medical clinics, health centers and hospitals in three cities in Benin to understand what kind of devices containing mercury were in use, what the safety measures surrounding mercury were, and caregivers' general knowledge about mercury’s effect on health and the environment.
