Toxic fears for Senegal recyclers

Senegal urgently needs to decontaminate areas in and by the capital, Dakar, where hundreds of people have been exposed to lead poisoning, the UN says.

The warning followed a World Health Organization investigation into the deaths of a number of children in an area where lead batteries are recycled.

It found very high concentrations of the toxic metal both outside and inside homes in Thiaroye Sur Mer town.

The WHO said many children showed evidence of neurological damage.

The health officials say those affected break apart car batteries to resell the lead.

About 950 people living in the Dakar district of NGagne Diaw were continuously exposed through ingestion and inhalation of lead-contaminated dust, the WHO said.

Joanna Temposwki, who co-ordinated the research, said in the fishing town of Thiaroye Sur Mer many of those who recycle the batteries are mothers with babies strapped to their back or with children playing nearby, AP news agency reports.

The UN health agency has called for international financial support to help Senegal deal effectively with the emergency.

Therapy is available to help children suffering from lead poisoning, but such treatment is likely to be ineffective if exposure continues, the WHO says.