Blood samples collected from the children also indicated a significantly high
level of certain enzymes that collectively with other parameters or individually
result in cellular damage in the body or the presence of a disease process affecting
the liver. High levels of creatinine (breakdown product of creatine phosphate in
muscle usually produced at a fairly constant rate by the body depending on muscle
mass) in some children examined indicated the need of closer follow-up in order to
determine the onset of renal disfunction.
Blood investigations confirmed that 50% of the children had low haemoglobin
levels while 30% had size and staining abnormalities (microcytosis) of their red blood
cells (iron deficiency anaemia – IDA), a condition brought about by heavy metal
intoxication. Further, the blood film studies indicated that 52.5% of the children had
marked eosinophilia (increase in the number of white blood cells mostly associated
with allergic reactions) a condition that could lead to chronic rhinitis (irritation of the
nasal cavity), asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and dermatitis.