Probably the worst undiscovered public health issue in Nigeria is lead poisoning, which affects the nation’s most vulnerable people. From illegal mining to the uncontrolled disposal of lead-acid batteries, contaminated water sources, and household exposures, lead infiltrates communities, causing irreversible health damage and deepening social inequities(Raj & Das, 2023).
Despite its devastating effects, lead exposure continues to be a silent epidemic due to poor awareness and weak regulatory enforcement. Millions of Nigerians, particularly children and marginalized groups, remain at risk due to unsafe industrial practices, systemic negligence, and environmental degradation(Hanna-Attisha et al., 2018). Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes education, policy reform, and healthcare interventions to mitigate its effects and protect future generations.
Lead contamination in Nigeria stems from multiple environmental and occupational hazards. One of the primary sources is illegal mining, particularly artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in states like Zamfara, Osun, and Niger. The use of crude processing techniques, such as crushing ore in homes and washing lead-contaminated dust into water sources, has led to widespread contamination, exposing children and women involved in washing gold to lead dust through inhalation and ingestion(Alasia, 2019).
Furthermore, small-scale auto-mechanics and battery charging workshops operate in unregulated conditions, leading to lead-acid battery leaks, exposing workers and nearby residents to toxic fumes and direct skin contact with battery acid. The uncontrolled disposal of lead-acid batteries further exacerbates the problem, as rainwater washes lead from discarded batteries into surrounding soil and water sources, exposing children and scavengers who encounter waste. In many rural and semi-urban communities, underground well water is often contaminated by lead leaching from surrounding soil, mining waste, or battery disposal, leading to bioaccumulation and causing neurological and developmental issues, especially in children(Mathias, 2019).
Another overlooked but significant source of exposure is the smelting of lead scraps by children during play, as they unknowingly expose themselves to toxic fumes while creating toys(Diawara et al., 2018). Moreover, many Nigerian households, schools, and furniture still contain lead-based paints, which deteriorate over time and release lead dust into the environment, posing a particular risk to young children who frequently put objects in their mouths(Kessler, 2014).
Exposure through contaminated herbal remedies and cosmetics is also a concern, as traditional eye cosmetics like Tiro, Kohl, or Surma, along with certain herbal medicines, have been found to contain dangerously high levels of lead, increasing the risk of poisoning, particularly among women and children(Hore & Sedlar, 2024). The informal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) and plastics from used batteries often involves burning, which releases toxic fumes into the air, leading to chronic lead poisoning among workers and nearby residents(Andeobu et al., 2023). Although Nigeria officially phased out leaded gasoline, illegal refining and smuggling of lead-contaminated fuel may still contribute to environmental lead exposure, and residual lead pollution from past use of leaded petrol remains in the soil, particularly in urban areas with heavy traffic.
Lead exposure is a silent yet devastating threat, affecting nearly every organ system in the body. In Nigeria, the health impacts are particularly severe due to widespread exposure among children and pregnant women. Neurologically, lead disrupts brain development, causing cognitive impairments, behavioral disorders, and reduced IQ levels, with these effects being permanent and limiting educational and economic opportunities(Lanphear et al., 2005). Chronic exposure also increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases, leading to hypertension, kidney dysfunction, and even cancer(Navas-Acien et al., 2007).
Reproductive health is significantly affected, as lead exposure reduces fertility in both men and women and poses risks to pregnant women, including low birth weight, stillbirths, and developmental delays in newborns. On top of that, lead toxicity has been linked to increased rates of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior, further exacerbating its impact on individuals and communities(Kumar, 2018).
Tackling lead poisoning in Nigeria calls for a comprehensive method, beginning with stronger environmental regulations to ban the use of lead-based paints and enforce stringent controls on lead battery recycling and artisanal mining(Breysse et al., 2022). Policies must also be implemented to eliminate lead from consumer products like petrol, cosmetics and food packaging.
Community education and awareness play a crucial role, with nationwide campaigns needed to inform the public about the dangers of lead exposure and preventive measures, particularly in high-risk areas. Empowering local communities to advocate for stricter environmental protections can further drive change. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure is essential, including investing in better diagnostic tools for the early detection of lead poisoning in children and adults, as well as providing chelation therapy and other treatment options in high-risk regions (Naranjo et al., 2020).
Environmental remediation efforts should focus on cleaning up contaminated sites in mining regions and industrial zones to break the cycle of exposure, while also introducing safer mining and recycling practices to prevent further environmental damage(Bashir et al., 2014).Moreover, leveraging technology for lead monitoring can enhance intervention strategies through AI-driven predictive models, satellite monitoring, and portable air quality sensors to identify contamination hotspots and guide targeted responses(Olawade et al., 2024).
Conclusion
Lead poisoning remains a preventable yet devastating public health crisis in Nigeria. Its widespread effects on health, economic stability, and social equity emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes stronger environmental policies, community education, improved healthcare infrastructure, environmental remediation, and the integration of advanced technology. By learning from past failures and successes, Nigeria can work towards eliminating lead exposure and safeguarding the health of its present and future generations.
References
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