Lead Poisoning: NGO Raises Alarm Over Negative Impact Of Dadesɛn On Children’s Intelligence

• Environmental NGO Pure Earth has raised alarm over the risk of lead poisoning from everyday items
• The environmental NGO said 52% of pots with food cooked in the popular dadesɛn pot recorded contamination
• Pure Earth's director told YEN.com.gh that there was no cause for fear and panic because of the findings

Some concern has been raised about the popular metal pot known as dadesɛn and its links to lead poisoning.

A new study on nearly 200 consumer products and food samples across four regions in Ghana revealed the lead contamination concerns.

The environmental NGO Pure Earth conducted the study as part of its Blacksmith Initiative.

The environmental NGO said that 52% of pots with food cooked in the popular dadesɛn pot recorded contamination.

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In addition, 55% of the pots tested exceeded the safe levels of lead concentration.

NGO cautions against fear and panic

Esmond Wisdom Quansah, the NGO's Director, said to YEN.com.gh that his outfit has recommended the intensification of lead blood level screening.

It is also pushing for intensifying the monitoring of domestic items like pots and the crackdown on the production of hazardous items.

“We also met with the Ghana Standards Authority because we realised that there are no clear regulations for the local fabrication of these metallic cook works… they are cooperating with us," he added.

Quansah also stressed that the findings of this report were not to cause fear and panic.

He said: "We are not putting fear into them. This is an awareness creation.”

Waakye allegedly claims 5 lives, including a pregnant woman

YEN.com.gh reported earlier in 2023 that five people died after eating waakye that was allegedly contaminated. The local delicacy also left some 40 persons hospitalised.

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The victims are said to have complained of severe stomach aches in what is suspected to be food poisoning.

Marwako Issues Apology To Victims After Food Poisoning Scandal

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Marwako Restaurant, a popular fast-food joint, came under fire after numerous people took to Twitter to report the ordeal they faced after patronising their food and suffering food poisoning.

The uproar caught the attention of relevant authorities, prompting an investigation, which led to the restaurant's closure.

22 people admitted to hospital after eating food suspected to be contaminated

YEN.com.gh also reported that a food poisoning incident hit a small farming community in the Oti Region.

The incident happened on Sunday, May 14, 2023, after the food was served at a funeral held on the same day.

At least 22 people who ate the variety of foods served at the event were hospitalised.

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Source: YEN.com.gh