Zambia’s toxic legacy | DW Documentary

Lead Poisoning in Zambia: A Town Under Threat

Key Concepts:

• Lead Poisoning: A toxic condition caused by lead accumulating in the body, impacting neurological and physical health, particularly in children.
• Blood Lead Levels (BLL): The concentration of lead in blood, measured in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). The WHO recommends action at levels above 5 µg/dL.
• Artisanal Mining: Small-scale mining operations, often informal and dangerous.
• Environmental Remediation: The process of removing or neutralizing pollutants from the environment.
• Class Action Lawsuit: A legal action where a group of people with similar injuries caused by the same product or action sue the defendant as a group.

1. The Scale of the Crisis & Affected Population

The town in Zambia featured in this report is facing a severe public health crisis due to widespread lead contamination. Approximately 200,000 people are affected, with nearly every child carrying dangerous levels of lead in their blood. The United Nations has identified this area as one of the most lead-polluted places on Earth. The primary source of contamination is the abandoned lead mine, which left behind open waste dumps containing lead dust after its closure in 1994. Symptoms experienced by residents include memory problems, fatigue, headaches, and stomach pain, with children being disproportionately affected due to the vulnerability of their developing brains.

2. Individual Stories & Health Impacts

The story of Jane Naleno and her daughter Elizabeth illustrates the devastating impact of lead poisoning. Elizabeth was diagnosed with anemia at age six, with a blood lead level of 58 µg/dL – significantly exceeding the WHO’s action level of 5 µg/dL. She experiences weakness, a constant cough, and skin rashes. Access to necessary medication is inconsistent and expensive, forcing Jane to sell homemade donuts to afford treatment. The case highlights the long-term health consequences and the financial burden placed on families.

3. Historical Context & Mine Operations

The mine’s history dates back to 1904 when it was opened by the British Rhodesia Broken Hill Company during the colonial era. It was later nationalized. Matias Chatabanka, a former lab analyst who worked at the mine for over 30 years, describes the hazardous working conditions and the known dangers of lead exposure even during both colonial and nationalized periods. He recounts how workers were repeatedly exposed to lead, with some colleagues dying from lead poisoning. He details the lack of adequate safety measures and the prioritization of profit over worker health by both the original company and the Zambian government. He specifically points to a perceived “betrayal” by Anglo-American, alleging they prioritized extraction of lead and zinc for profit.

4. Legal Action & Corporate Responsibility

Since 2020, residents have pursued a class action lawsuit against Anglo-American, alleging the company played a key role in the mine’s technical, medical, and safety operations between 1925 and 1974. The plaintiffs seek compensation for children and women of childbearing age and a full cleanup of the contaminated land. Anglo-American claims it only provided technical services and never owned or operated the mine. The Zambian Ministry of Mines states it has initiated environmental remediation efforts through the Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project, but Human Rights Watch reports little tangible progress.

5. Ongoing Exposure & Artisanal Mining

Despite the mine’s closure, lead exposure continues through ongoing artisanal mining activities. Simon Chimanga, an artisanal miner since 1988, describes experiencing symptoms like memory loss and stomach pain. He was found to have 88% lead poisoning in his body during a recent test. He mines lead and zinc to sell to Chinese buyers, earning a meager income barely sufficient to support his family. He acknowledges the dangers of his work, including the risk of mine collapses, but lacks alternative employment options.

6. Environmental Contamination & Daily Life

The contamination extends to the air, soil, and water, making it impossible to escape. Jane Naleno demonstrates the lengths she goes to minimize exposure for her family, including daily cleaning to remove dust, sprinkling water to prevent contamination of food, and using chlorine for drinking water (though it doesn’t remove lead). She expresses concern about the contamination of vegetables and fruits grown in her garden and the lead content of well water. She fears the long-term consequences for her grandchildren, who were exposed to lead in utero.

7. Government Response & Lack of Support

Matias Chatabanka criticizes the lack of awareness and action from government officials, stating they are “ignorant” and fear repercussions if they address the issue publicly. He laments the lack of medical support provided to former miners and their families after Anglo-American’s departure. Jane Naleno pleads for government financial assistance to relocate her family to a safer environment.

8. Data & Research Findings

• Blood Lead Levels: A 2022 medical study revealed average blood lead levels near the mine reaching up to 60 µg/dL.
• Affected Population: Approximately 200,000 people are affected by lead contamination.
• Prevalence in Children: 95% of children living near the mine have elevated lead levels in their blood, reportedly the highest in the world.

9. Notable Quotes

• Jane Naleno: “I can't explain you. If I continue explain, you see my tears coming down. We are put in dangerous position.”
• Matias Chatabanka: “It was a betrayal by one the the Anglo-American people to my government. Both of them what they wanted was for us to make them read and zinc and sell it to the old market. So they wanted just wanted the money.”
• Jane Naleno: “Sometimes she wakes up weak and I feel bad when I think that white people brought this whole lead problem to Zambia with his mind. It hurts me deeply.”

Conclusion:

The situation in this Zambian town represents a profound environmental and public health tragedy. Decades of lead contamination from the abandoned mine have resulted in widespread lead poisoning, particularly affecting children. The lack of adequate remediation efforts, coupled with ongoing exposure through artisanal mining and contaminated resources, perpetuates the crisis. The ongoing lawsuit against Anglo-American seeks accountability and compensation, but the long-term health and well-being of the affected population depend on comprehensive environmental cleanup, improved healthcare access, and sustainable economic alternatives for the community. The case underscores the lasting consequences of irresponsible mining practices and the urgent need for corporate and governmental responsibility in addressing environmental hazards.