Toxic waste: Lagosians risk Parkinson’s disease, cancer and low sperm count

Medical experts have reacted to the shipload of toxic waste dumped at Tin Can Island port, Lagos, saying it’s an environmental pollution that could lead to Parkinson’s disease and other central nervous system disorders.
The ship, M.V. Marevia, has e-waste comprising old and obsolete electronic gadgets and materials such as refrigerators, which contain chlorofluro carbons or greenhouse gases, were brought into the country in two containers. According to Professor Dapo Ashiru, “the toxic waste may get into the human body system either by inhaling the substance or contact to the skin, or by leaking into source of drinking water thereby causing pollution. Once that gets into the body system, it affects different organs like the liver, kidney, reproductive organs and the brain.”
He noted that any organ can be damaged by the toxic waste, and the effect could be the source of unhealthy metal deposit in the body, which leads to Parkinson’s disease and/or other central nervous system disorders. Also speaking on the issue, Dr. Shola Olutayo said 80 per cent of toxic waste causes cancer, especially cancer of the lungs because they are airborne.
According to her, majority of people in Apapa are liable to fall victims of the consequences. It’s like someone staying close to a cigarette smoker.” Dr. Kings Omonigho said that men living in that environ might have low sperm count due to the toxic waste. According to him, it could affect the ecological system, both human and micro organisms, even plants.
“Toxic waste causes irritation, a situation whereby women could give birth to hunchback babies or animals and reptiles. However, the vessel, which is currently anchored at Tin-Can Island container terminal, has been quarantined by officials of the National Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with other port agencies keeping watch.
SUN