Dead End: The Nigerian Gold Rush and Lead Poisoning Crisis

A boy is standing inside the affected village of Bagega, pop. 9000, Zamfara State, Nigeria, next to a large artisanal gold processing site. The lead contamination in the area is caused by ingestion and breathing of lead particles, released in the steps to isolate the gold from other metals. This type of lead is soluble in stomach acid and children under-5 are most affected, as they tend to ingest more through their hands by touching the ground, and are developing symptoms often leading to death or serious disabilities.

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Copyright: Alex Masi - www.alexmasi.co.uk
Image Size: 3744x5616 / 11.9MB; 2012 MSF activities activity alex artisanal contamination crisis death dying emergency extraction gold health illness islamic lead masi medicinal medicine miner mineral mining minor muslim nigeria north-west northern pollution portrait region remediation safety sale technique toxic trade treatment under unsafe young youth zamfara
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A boy is standing inside the affected village of Bagega, pop. 9000, Zamfara State, Nigeria, next to a large artisanal gold processing site. The lead contamination in the area is caused by ingestion and breathing of lead particles, released in the steps to isolate the gold from other metals. This type of lead is soluble in stomach acid and children under-5 are most affected, as they tend to ingest more through their hands by touching the ground, and are developing symptoms often leading to death or serious disabilities.