Global efforts to decontaminate contaminated water and lead

SEATTLE, Washington – In April 2014, Flint, Michigan altered the city’s water supply to the Flint River under financial strain. Lead-contaminated water quickly filled town pipes, leaving Flint residents in the midst of a disaster. After nearly six years, Flint has yet to recover, but is moving forward after receiving substantial support. However, many communities around the world experience the same contamination indefinitely and with little or no support at all.

Lead is a deadly neurotoxin which has been named one of the 10 most threatening public health problems by the World Health Organization (WHO). UNICEF also reports that a third of the world’s children are poisoned by lead, especially in low-income countries which cannot easily fight the contamination. Fortunately, international nonprofits like Pure Earth are taking action to help countries overcome this common killer.

Poverty and contamination

Beyond the public health consequences, the crisis in Flint sparked national outrage in the United States because the contaminated water disproportionately affected minority communities. The dirtiest water poured into these areas quickly and without warning. As a result, hip-hop artist Mama Sol proclaims the treatment of black people in the Flint crisis as “cultural genocide” in the documentary “Faces of Flint: Hard to Swallow”.

Struggling families in Flint were ordered to pay their water bills despite sick water flowing from their taps. Although the situation in Flint may not be the model for typical contamination crises, it is essential that the general population understand how poor, oppressed or disadvantaged groups are the most vulnerable victims.

The economic factors behind lead contaminated water tend to have deeper roots in poor countries that lack aid, infrastructure and support. Long-term exposure to lead lowers gross domestic product (GDP) levels and eats up economic potential. The economic limitation comes not only from the fact that the workforce gets sick, but also from the reduction in intelligence quotient (IQ) attributable to lead over the long term.

In addition to hampering economic growth, water contaminated with lead harms countries’ development. For example, since water sources are few and far between, many have to drive to collect water. The increase in vehicle ownership requires greater recycling capacities. However, in countries where recycling is not as organized, well funded or regulated, it is difficult to keep pace.

The causes

Lead contaminates water, food and other everyday items in multiple ways. Industrial growth, dirty pipe systems, inadequate disposal methods, and agricultural accidents play a fundamental role in increasing lead levels. Bangladesh, in particular, suffers from the improper disposal of lead-acid batteries, which affects 35.5 million children. Recycling practices in Bangladesh often emit outdoor emissions near communities. Blood lead levels are therefore well above the maximum accepted worldwide and are the 11th highest in the world. Other common sources of lead contamination include gasoline, paint, cans, cosmetics, spices, and toys.

The Philippines also has alarming blood lead levels due to its rapid growth. An increase in the prevalence of agricultural practices over the past decade has contaminated drinking water sources due to runoff. Heavy rains in the archipelago cause water to move over the soil surface instead of seeping into the soil. This process brings together pesticides, fertilizers and other pollutants, representing over 800,000 tonnes of organic pollution in the Philippines.

Effects of lead exposure

Contamination of toxic water negatively affects more than 200 million people worldwide, a number comparable to patients with HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The most common symptoms of poisoning are anemia, reproductive organ toxicity, kidney damage and cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, women and children are more likely to develop neurological and immune damage from the contamination.

Exposure to lead in children leads to an increased risk of developing mental disabilities and behavioral problems. Reduced attention span, anti-social behavior, and reduced IQ disrupt education and contribute to the cycle of poverty. Fortunately, there are several steps parents, schools and communities can take to combat contamination.

Pollution solutions

1. Prevention: Avoid paints, toys, and other items that may contain lead.
2. Case Report: Establish easy ways for victims to report symptoms.
3. Treatment and detection: Provide cognitive behavioral therapy to manage symptoms.
4. Protection and education: Carry out educational campaigns on the sources of lead and the dangers.
5. Legislation and Policy: Create environmental, health and safety standards for recycling and manufacturing.

Pure land

Pure Earth is committed to reducing contamination in low-income countries that need financial support to implement prevention programs. In partnership with the UN, the World Bank, the US Department of State, 21 government agencies and 34 other NGOs, Pure Earth has carried out more than 120 projects. These projects have reached five million adults and one million children. The organization adapts its efforts specifically to each pollution site and supports local action by dividing projects into three categories:

• Small-scale cleaning: These are inexpensive sites of contamination that generally inspire further action. Operations require up to $ 100,000, community technical support, and typically last a year.
• Large-scale cleaning: Forming a local coalition is the main goal of large-scale cleanups. Local leaders and representatives of government agencies work together to develop pollution prevention plans through coalitions.
• Active sites: These are places where industrial or mining activities cause permanent pollution. At these sites, Pure Earth conducts health impact analyzes and presents pollutant reduction plans to the owners of the companies responsible for the contamination.

Pure Earth’s efforts are changing the world’s responses to contamination and the way countries seek solutions. Countries that have recently rejected leaded gasoline are already experiencing drops in blood lead levels. By welcoming aid and implementing realistic and cost-effective solutions to clean up lead-contaminated water, the return on investment for these countries will be enormous. Citizens will have improved levels of health and productivity, higher IQs, and a better future – all essential characteristics for poverty reduction.

– Natalie Clark
Photo: Wikimedia Commons