Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in partnership with environmental activists have alerted people on the dangers of paints containing lead, saying that there might be dealers who still import them.

Lead is a natural toxic metal found in the earth’s crust and is used in the manufacture of paints, ceramic glasses, jewellery, toys, some cosmetics and traditional medicines.

The alert comes after researchers indicated that the toxic chemical exposure was still a major contributor to children’s intellectual disability in low and middle-income countries and this translates into $977 billion economic losses.

The study by New York University shows that the losses equal to $134.7 billion in Africa which is 4.03% of gross domestic product (GDP), $142.3 billion in Latin America and the Caribbean which is 2.04% of GDP  and $699.9 billion in Asia which is 1.88% of GDP.

Overall, the burden associated with childhood lead exposure in those countries amounts to 1.20% of world GDP.

Environmental Assessment and Audit of Paint Manufacturing Industries in Rwanda conducted by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has shown lead concentrations in soil sediments in the studied areas even though further studies are needed to provide more accurate data.

Remy Duhuze, REMA's Director of Environmental Regulations and Pollution Control at Rwanda Environment Management Authority said that the chemical has an adverse impact on people’s health when they are exposed to them.

"That chemical affects people’s health.  Such heavy and toxic metals affect brains especially children and mothers. It can also cause cancer. We are telling constructors to stop using the lead paints,” he said.

The processing, use and disposal of the toxic lead affect the brain, kidney, liver, blood, reproductive system and the cardiovascular system.

Health experts show that especially it can result in reduced intelligence quotient for children, impaired learning ability, and increased risk of behavioural problems.

"The lead paints are used in many places such as nursery schools that need a lot of paints, mothers who use them to decorate rooms,   children’s toys and others,” he said.

Exposure can occur from inhalation of lead fumes and particles, water and food with the poisoning chemical.

"There are some countries that have not yet banned lead paints. In Rwanda, we have also banned them. But some Rwandan dealers might still be importing them. That is why we have to inspect.

We have to assess if dealers are not importing lead paints or educate them on how to verify what they import. Consumers must also check if manufacturers are supplying safe products,” he said.

He urged paints manufacturers, dealers, paints importers and constructors to adopt environmental-friendly paints.

Vincent Karemera, an environmentalist at Association rwandaise des écologistes (ARECO-Rwanda Nziza), an environmental and development non-profit NGO, said that the chemical was prohibited but it is still experienced in the environment.

"Every year in Rwanda, there is Rwf40 million economic losses incurred by treating those affected by the chemical,” he said.

He said that some businesses are reluctant to disclose to the general population that they use lead paints.

"We conducted a quick survey and found lead paints dumped in different places which means there are those who are still using lead paints. We will conduct a comprehensive survey for comprehensive status,” he said.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com