Image 29 of 641
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A young worker is standing in the artisanal gold processing site of the village of Bagega, pop. 9000, Zamfara State, Nigeria. The lead contamination in the area is caused by ingestion and breathing of 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.