Lead Poisoning in Zamfara State Nigeria: Effects on Environmental Health

The people of Zamfara State, Nigeria are primarily farmers and herders. Villagers notably in Anka and Bukkuyum engage in artisanal gold mining practices. The processing of lead-rich ore to obtain gold resulted in extensive dispersal of lead dust causing widespread ingestion and inhalation of lead particles. Medecin Sans Frontieres (MSF) in March 2010 reported a high number of deaths among children mostly in the age range of 0–5 years. Field investigations found excessive of lead in surface water (≤ 200 μg/l0), soil (≤ 600 ppm) and mercury levels in air (≤ 24 micrograms per cubic meter). The methodology in this study comprised of extensive review of investigation results in literature from 2010 to present. The first environmental health report confirmed that the primary source of lead exposure is soil ingestion. Clinical report found that blood lead levels of affected children were unprecedented (mean = 119 μm/dl). The lead crisis covers at least 47 villages, affecting more than 30,000 residents. Consequently, crops for humans and pasture for grazing animals that grow on the contaminated soil are considered toxic for consumption. With coordinated response by agencies and governments aided by funding from UN CERF, lead levels have dropped sharply from over 40% during the peak of mining activities in 2010 to 1% in 2011. Sustainable changes to mining activities, proper hygiene measures and adherence to Mining Laws are hereby recommended.