WHAT IS LEAD POISONING?

An acute or chronic poisoning due to the absorption of lead into the body
Absorption occurs when lead is ingested
It can also be caused by breathing in dust that contains lead
Lead is not visible to the naked eye, nor can it be smelt or tasted

WHERE CAN LEAD BE FOUND?

Paint sets & Art supplies

Chipped paint

Dumping
waste illegally

PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL EFFECTS ON

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Symptoms of lead poisoning varies. It builds up slowly after repeated exposure to
small quantities of lead. Effects include:

Abdominal pain and cramps

Aggressive behaviour and irritability
Loss of developmental skills in children
Loss of appetite
Stumbling when walking

Numbness or tingling in the

extremities

Memory loss, seizures and coma

Anaemia
Kidney dysfunction

RISK ASSESSMENT
Article indicates that prior assessments were already conducted before the
occurrence of this event. See details here:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/59821_74-children-suffering-from-leadpoisoning-in-Mona-Commons

The areas of high concentration were identified and the necessary clean up
activities done.

Use prior data collected as basis for additional research required.

RISK MANAGEMENT
Long-term solution offered - pave off the road where the exposure was highest in the
area.

Resource allocation was a major concern - millions of dollars previously granted to

conduct research and the issue repeated itself.

Individually - where there is possible detection of lead poisoning, conduct routine

testing for proper health.

Governmentally - frequent checks be conducted to ensure laws are being adhered to.
Legal agencies - where there is little or no policy, implement to ensure compliance

RISK COMMUNICATION
Publish and sensationalize results through the media to get persons
aware and educated

Details of the case study can be made available through Jamaica

legislative bodies print or online version

Provide the pathways of exposure as is currently the case for the

Zika Virus

VULNERABLE GROUPS
Children are at the highest risk of lead
poisoning

Members of the community and its environs

People in developing countries are also at a
higher risk - these countries do not have strict
rules regarding lead

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITIES IN JAMAICA

Get information on the subject matter from any of the
following agencies:

ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION OF JAMAICA

NATIONAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?