6. Conclusion
This pilot study has linked environmental pollution to public health. Soil
samples analyzed from locations adjacent and within the dumpsite show high
levels of heavy metals emanating from the site in particular lead, mercury, cadmium,
copper and chromium. At the same time, a medical evaluation of the children and
adolescents living and schooling near the dumpsite indicates a high incidence of
diseases that are associated with high exposure levels to these metal pollutants.
For example, about 50% of children examined who live and school near the
dumpsite had respiratory ailments and blood lead levels equal to or exceeding
internationally accepted toxic levels (10 μg/dl of blood), while 30% had size and
staining abnormalities of their red blood cells, confirming high exposure to heavy
metal poisoning.
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