Fresh statistics as presented by the USAID indicate that about 800 million children in developing countries, including Kenya are affected by lead poisoning, causing severe effects to children and adults, including miscarriage in pregnant women and birth of children with lower IQ.
As the world commemorates the 12th international lead poisoning prevention week of action, the ministry of health is looking into a review of laws on chemicals that harm the environment, including lead, as it emerges that about 600,000 children are affected intellectually every year.
According to public health and professional standards PS Mary Muthoni, the government is looking at various interventions, seeking to change the tide of lead poisoning.
One of the interventions is the support on the ban of asbestos roof by the ministry of environment, as the department of public health now demands a better disposal so as to avert a situation of causing more harm.
According to PS Mary Muthoni, the government will be seeking, in conjunction with the ministry of environment, to crackdown on those using material rich in lead as it seeks to immensely reduce the dangers.
A skit presented by Nairobi University students, where the week-long convention is being held, laid bare the dangers of lead poisoning, which according to USAID affects the world substantial amounts of money, running into millions of trillions of dollars
The event, co-sponsored by Duracoat, a company in the country producing paint, seeks to come up with a policy direction to be discussed, with a view to adoption, with the Kenyan government, on how to combat the effects of lead poisoning in the country.