As part of a larger effort to tackle lead pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared its intention to bring legal action against unlicensed recyclers of used lead acid batteries (ULABs).
According to the EPA, unlicensed actions by informal and artisanal ULAB recyclers have been taking place in several parts of the nation, endangering the environment and the health of the communities where they operate.
The EPA’s executive director, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, requested the public and the media to share information about these unofficial ULAB recyclers to aid enforcement efforts.
Due to violations of worker safety regulations, public health precautions, and industry best practices, the EPA has previously shuttered two ULAB recycling operations, causing lead pollution.
Dr. Kokofu emphasized the requirement for a coordinated strategy combining both public and private sector organizations to handle the ULAB handling dilemma. He urged the creation of an action plan to reduce lead production that would involve local government entities, the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ghana Standards Authority, and the Food and Drugs Authority, among other regulatory agencies.
To guarantee adherence to industry standards, the EPA will conduct joint audits of ULAB facilities with the appropriate stakeholders.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS), Pure Earth Ghana, and UNICEF issued a joint “Declaration Of National Action Against Lead Poisoning” before the EPA took this action. Children between the ages of 1 and 4 who live close to lead contamination hotspots are frequently exposed to and poisoned by lead, according to a recent GHS and Pure Earth survey.
The need for health surveillance measures for those working in ULAB factories was stressed by Dr. Carl Osei, Program Manager of the GHS’s Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, as they are vulnerable to lead poisoning and may expose children in their communities to lead.
Pure Earth’s country director, Esmond Wisdom Quansah, stated that the company is prepared to work with governmental organizations to do research and create legislation addressing lead exposure in the population.
Source : GNA NEWS