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A Toxics-Free Future

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Lead

Impact of heavy metals from Balkan power plants on inhabitants and the environment

This project by Arnika Association, entitled 'Impact of heavy metals from Balkan power plants on inhabitants and the environment', focuses on the presentation and discussion of data related to contamination by heavy metals at selected locations in the Balkans. Sampling teams conducted monitoring in the field to obtain data about the impacts of coal fired power plants from emissions and releases (including ash ponds and dumps). The sampled sites were located in Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.

Awareness raising in schools on SAICM and chemicals

The NGO Association du Reseau Mediterraneen Pour le Developpement Durable (AREMEDD) organized a series of SAICM-related awareness generating activities throughout Tunisia from February to October 2010. These activities, which included the active participation of local NGOs, involved educating students about the dangers of lead in paint and mercury in used batteries, farmers about the adapting alternatives to pesticides, and representatives from the iron and steel industries about the impact of heavy metals on biodiversity.

Awareness-raising on lead paint poisoning in Tanzania

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.

Collection of Lead Based Paint Samples in Uganda

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.

Advancing the SAICM Mission: Convening Multi-Sectoral National Nepalese SAICM Implementation Forums

By hosting and facilitating a series of Round Table Meetings with relevant government ministries and stakeholders, Forum for Justice (FFJ) created a platform that provided opportunities to share and provide detailed information about the SAICM. Meetings were organized to address particular themes: POPs, Lead, Mercury, and E-waste. In each of the meetings, baseline information was shared about each problem area and specific action plans were laid out to meet the SAICM 2020 objectives.

Civil Society Participation in CONASQ – National Commission on Chemical Safety

In an effort to improve participation and collaboration among organizations and individuals concerning the SAICM Global Plan of Action, Associação de Proteção ao Meio Ambiente de Cianorte (APROMAC) pushed an explicit chemical implementation agenda at three consecutive meetings of Brazil's National Committee on Chemical Safety (CONSAQ). Additionally, they created a special webpage on their website focused solely on SAICM, which also provides monthly bulletins on SAICM issues.

Phasing out Lead in Paint through Advocacy and Awareness Raising

Using analyses of paint samples from manufacturing and importing companies servicing the Amman marketplace, Land and Human to Advocate Progress (LHAP) was able to create awareness about high levels of lead in paints found in everyday paints. Along with educational materials produced specifically with the results of the analyses, community discussion groups (3 public hearings) were conducted to further communicate the impact of lead in paint. Social media was also used to achieve widespread media and public notice.

Heavy metals assessment of some plastic toys in Bizerte (Tunisia)

To determine whether toys sold in Tunisia contain high levels of dangerous heavy metals, Association pour la Protection de l'Environnement et Developpement Durable de Bizerte (APEDDUB) had samples of 24 toys commonly found in schools and markets in the city of Bizarte analyzed. Results showed that most toys contained heavy metals. In addition, although both non-Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and PVC made toys contained high levels of lead and cadmium, toys made with PVC have significantly higher levels of these heavy metals and therefore are far more toxic.

Addressing Lead Poisoning Exposure Problem in Ownio Uhuru Slums- Mombasa (Part II)

To ensure that the residents of the Owinu Uhuru slum (Kenya) could protect themselves from dangerous smoke emitted from a local lead metal recovery factory, Eco-Ethics conducted an all encompassing campaign that included sample collection, awareness raising, community organizing, and mobilizing direct action. With the results of sampling showing high levels of lead contamination in blood, air, soil, and water, the community was mobilized to demand action from the factory officials concerning lead poisoning.