A new joint research by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed disturbing levels of lead contamination in many products used daily by Ghanaians, posing serious health threats, particularly to children and pregnant women.

The report according to Class Fm explains that lead, a toxic heavy metal, can cause lasting harm to a child’s health and development even in small quantities.

Prolonged exposure, it said, may lead to brain damage, poor growth, learning difficulties, and a reduction in intelligence quotient (IQ).

The study, which covered all sixteen regions of Ghana, found multiple sources of lead exposure in common household materials. It discovered that 80 percent of traditional eyeliners, locally referred to as kaji kaji or kholi, contained extremely high levels of lead. It also revealed that 25 percent of white baked clay, known as shire, ayilor, or farinkasa and commonly eaten by pregnant women, were contaminated. In addition, 42 percent of turmeric powder and 4 percent of corn-based “Tom Brown” samples contained traces of the toxic metal.

The research further identified outdated plumbing systems and certain cooking utensils as potential contributors to the problem. In some cases, lead was found to leach into drinking water or be released during food preparation.

UNICEF emphasized that lead poisoning is completely preventable and called for collective national action to protect children and families. The agency urged the government to intensify public education, strengthen product safety regulations, and promote widespread screening to enable early detection and treatment.

“Every child deserves a healthy start in life,” UNICEF stated, reaffirming its commitment to collaborate with the Government of Ghana, the FDA, and other partners to eliminate lead exposure and safeguard public health.

The findings serve as a wake-up call for stronger regulatory enforcement, increased consumer awareness, and urgent measures to reduce the presence of lead in homes and the environment across Ghana.

Research conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2024 indicates that a significant number of fish and water bodies in the country have been contaminated with mercury due to its use in gold refining by illegal miners.

Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, the Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA and a researcher, stated, "Mercury has infiltrated a considerable number of fish in our water bodies," emphasizing that this poses a serious public health risk.

He urged everyone to support the government in curbing illegal mining practices before the situation escalates.

In addition to its environmental implications, Dr. Nyantakyi highlighted in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani that mercury remains a poisonous chemical harmful to human health and well-being.

He pointed out that abnormal skin rashes, body discoloration, rough skin, and other physical defects in infants could be linked to the effects of mercury absorption in the body.

Dr. Nyantakyi warned that research has indicated widespread mercury contamination in many water bodies, leading to the poisoning of numerous fish, and expressed concerns that the situation could deteriorate further if illegal mining activities (galamsey) are not effectively controlled in the country.

“My fears are that many Ghanaians eat lot of kenkey and fishes and who might tell if the fish you are eating is contaminated and so it is imperative for everybody to contribute his or her quota towards fighting illegal mining in the country”, he explained.

In Ghana, Dr. Nyantakyi explained that gold refiners primarily use either Cyanidation (cyanide) or Amalgamation (mercury). Since the use of cyanide is illegal, illegal miners predominantly use large quantities of mercury for gold refining purposes.

He said because their activities were illegal, the miners “use mercury anyhow and thereby pollute our environment and water bodies which is a serious public health concern that threatens human existence.”

He emphasized that combating illegal mining was not solely the government's responsibility, urging everyone, particularly those in mining communities—assembly members, traditional authorities, youth groups, and associations—to stay vigilant and assist in combating the problem.

Dr. Nyantakyi explained that mercury, being a toxic chemical, can enter the human bloodstream through skin absorption, inhalation into the lungs and digestive system, and uptake by fish and microorganisms.

He noted that sources of mercury emissions include volcanic activity, rock weathering, movement of water bodies, forest fires, biological processes, and deliberate use of the chemical.

“Mercury easily infiltrates water bodies, the sediment and fishes and that is why we must all contribute to the national fight against illegal mining”, Dr Nyantakyi stated.