PURE EARTH - Accra

Exposure to lead is a public health concern in Ghana. The populations most vulnerable to the effects of lead include pregnant women and children. Studies have revealed disturbing rates of blood lead levels among children in Ghana exposed to lead. Lead pollution can result in medical expenditures, failure in school, low productivity and economic output, as well as increases in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Sources of lead exposure in Ghana include residual contamination from leaded petrol (phased out in 2004), paints, pesticides, mining, recycling, and agricultural industries, and the informal or substandard recycling of used lead acid batteries (ULABs).