Gold mining practices in the northern Nigerian state of Zamfara have resulted in the deaths of 400 children from lead poisoning over the past two years, according to an international human rights group.

Human Rights Watch claims that thousands of children require urgent medical treatment, such as chelation therapy, and that many villages in the region are contaminated from lead dust, created when processing ore to retrieve gold.

The children become exposed to the dust while working down the mines, when coming into contact with relations who are miners or when the lead-filled ore is processed at home.

The group is concerned that the region

SHARE
Wanted in Africa
Wanted in Africa
Wanted in Africa, part of the Wanted Worldwide network, is a website in English for expatriates in Africa established in 2006. We cover Europe's news stories that may be of interest to English speaking residents along with tourists as well. Our publication also offers classifieds, photos, information on events, museums, churches, galleries, exhibits, fashion, food, and local travel.
81222
Previous article Cape Town recycling statue
Next article Cape Town recycling statue

RELATED ARTICLES

Guinness World Record set as South African woman gives birth to 10 babies
Health

Guinness World Record set as South African woman gives birth to 10 babies

Congo declares an end to the latest ebola outbreak
Health

Congo declares an end to the latest ebola outbreak

Polio disease eradicated in Africa
Health

Polio disease eradicated in Africa

GAPFA Condemns Contaminated Gizzard Imports
Health

GAPFA Condemns Contaminated Gizzard Imports

Tanzania uses giant rats to detect tuberculosis
Health

Tanzania uses giant rats to detect tuberculosis

Deadly fungi found in Cape Town
Health

Deadly fungi found in Cape Town

Cape Town opens clinic for prostitutes
Health

Cape Town opens clinic for prostitutes

Nairobi to phase out pit latrines
Health

Nairobi to phase out pit latrines

Accra opens infectious disease isolation centre
Health

Accra opens infectious disease isolation centre

Major expansion for Accra hospital
Health

Major expansion for Accra hospital

Addis Ababa to ban smoking in public places
Health

Addis Ababa to ban smoking in public places

Lake Victoria water unsafe to drink
Health

Lake Victoria water unsafe to drink