Lead poisoning poses a serious threat to children

Children exposed to lead – a metal found in certain paints and batteries - face several problems as they grow up.

A new report by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism has revealed that only three cases of lead poisoning were reported to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases between 2017 and 2022 because the medical fraternity believes the threat that the metal poses is a thing of the past.

According to a health journalist at Bhekisisa, Jesse Copelyn, who spoke with Radio Islam International, people exposed to lead can encounter many health issues such as heart, lung, and kidney disease. He said lead could also affect the development of children; for instance, people exposed to lead from a younger age are violent and risk being involved in violent crimes.