Survey In Ghana Indicates Unacceptable Level Of Lead In Paints

A survey report released today by the UN Environment Programme shows that many paints sold in Ghana for household use contain the toxic metal, lead and would therefore not be allowed for sale in the European Union, United States or other highly industrial countries. The survey conducted by Ecological Restorations, an Accra based International NGO said exposure to even small amounts of lead can reduce a child's intelligence and school performance and can also cause behavioral problems. Addressing a news conference in Accra to announce the survey results, the Executive Director of Ecological Restorations, Emmanuel Odjam-Akumatey said WHO figures showed that childhood lead exposure contributes to about 600 thousand new cases of intellectual disabilities.