The problem

This project is part of the Lead Poisoning and Car Batteries Project. Full project details are available at www.blacksmithinstitute.org/haina.html

Community education campaigns implemented over a number of years likely resulted in a significant decrease in blood lead levels. However, the most drastic decreases resulted from environmental remediation. Following cleanup, blood lead levels have now likely decreased to acceptable levels. See more details about Haina under SUCCCESS STORIES: http://www.blacksmithinstitute.org/success_stories/display/20

Health Impact

HEALTH IMPACT The health effects of lead poisoning are both acute and chronic and are particularly severe on children. These effects include: Neurological damage, reduced IQ, anemia, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, loss of memory and concentration, infertility, increased blood pressure and chronic headaches and weakness. At high concentrations lead poisoning can cause death. Further testing by Blacksmith Institute staff continued to show elevated blood lead levels in the community despite the ending of smelting activities at the plant:

Current Activity

Stakeholder Group and Public Health Education The first steps in the process were to form a stakeholder group including all of the relevant parties - community members, government officials, local NGOs, and bring them together to discuss the problem and formulate a plan of action. Blacksmith staff also conducted education workshops for local children to help minimize their exposure to lead dust and materials, and continued with blood lead level testing and monitoring. Remediation of Contaminated Soils Technical experts from the United States and the Dominican Republic surveyed the site and developed a remediation plan for safely removing the contaminated soils and materials. Between December 2008 and March 2009 Blacksmith and Terragraphics, Inc. coordinated the removal of over 6,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil from the site and transferred it to a specially constructed and lined pit at a nearby industrial estate. The site is now being re-graded to become a local park.