Environmental health in emergencies

Senegal: Outbreak of lead intoxication in Thiaroye sur Mer
Update 2 - 23 February 2009

23 February 2009 - In June 2008, WHO and Senegalese health authorities investigated a mass lead intoxication that occurred in the NGagne Diaw neighbourhood of Thiaroye sur Mer, Dakar, Senegal, as a result of the informal and unsafe recycling of used lead-acid batteries. Investigations revealed that all of 81 individuals studied, including 50 children, were poisoned with lead, sometimes severely, and that the entire neighbourhood was heavily contaminated with lead. This suggested that other inhabitants of the area, estimated at 950, were also likely to be intoxicated. Out of the 50 children investigated in June 2008, 41 children were selected for urgent chelation therapy to reduce their blood lead concentrations. These children were treated by the Senegalese health authorities with WHO's assistance. As of the beginning of January 2009, 23 children have received three rounds of chelation therapy, 17 have received two rounds and one child has received one round.

Between 19 and 23 January 2009, WHO deployed the clinical toxicologist who had taken part in the June 2008 investigation to Dakar on a follow-up mission. The purpose of the mission was to re-examine the treated children, review the current situation, provide additional training on lead poisoning, and provide further recommendations for the public health management of this mass lead intoxication. During the mission, 39 of the 41 treated children were re-examined. All showed significant improvement of their clinical and neurological status. Lead blood levels after treatment were available for 23 of these children. Their blood lead levels had decreased significantly although 17 (74%) still had significantly elevated lead levels indicating the need for further cycles of chelation therapy.

WHO recommends the provision of additional chelation therapy, in a lead-free environment, to those children needing it. This will require the purchase of additional chelating agents and the medical follow-up of the treated children, including regular measurement of their blood lead levels. Systematic screening of the entire population of NGagne Diaw should be undertaken as soon as possible to identify other individuals in need of medical treatment. Priority should be given to children aged between 1 and 6 years who are at the highest risk. Thorough decontamination of the NGagne Diaw neighbourhood is needed to prevent its inhabitants being further exposed to lead.

The financial contribution of the Swedish Chemicals Agency is gratefully acknowledged for this follow-up mission.

Publications on this event

Article from Environmental Health Perspectives
Mass Lead Intoxication from Informal Used Lead Acid Battery Recycling in Dakar, Senegal
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Further information on lead and its health effects:

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