Monitoring and Inventories
Situational Analysis of Morogoro Hotspot Area in Tanzania for Persistent Organic Pollutants
A situational analysis of POPs in the Morogoro Hotspot Area was conducted by Tanzania Association of Public Occupational and Environmental Health Experts (TAPOHE) in 2011. Participatory survey methods including desk review, in-depth interviews with key informants, focused group discussions and participants’ observations were used to collect data. Additionally, soil and biota samples (plants) were collected for pesticide chemical analysis. Findings from the situational analysis confirmed that Morogoro is one of the most DDT (and other obsolete pesticides)- contaminated sites in the country.
Collection of Lead Based Paint Samples in Uganda
UNETMAC collected samples from 50 paint containers to test for lead content. Samples were prepared in Uganda and sent to the US for analysis. Out of the eight brands of the paint samples tested, three brands were found to contain significant concentrations of lead. Additionally, 1,000 fact sheets about lead in paint were prepared, produced, and disseminated at a press conference and later at a workshop of the National Environment Management Authority.
Mercury pollution in Azerbaijan
Waste in municipal landfills in six industrial cities was thoroughly analyzed by the NGO Ruzgar to check for mercury contamination. The results of this exploration showed that medical wastes and fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury are mixed in with other waste. In the case of Sumgait landfill, mercury levels were found to exceed relevant standards due to disposal of mercury-containing waste with municipal waste.
Medical Waste Management and Mercury Devices in Health Sector Assessment and its Alternatives in Bali, Indonesia
As a way of promoting the safe handling of medical waste and mercury-containing equipment, BaliFokus began by assessing the handling of mercury-containing devices and general medical waste management systems in local hospitals. After administering surveys and examining hospital waste management policies, organizers educated hospital staff about the dangers of medical waste incineration and existing alternatives to mercury-containing equipment.
Mercury: Byproduct and Source of Contamination of Large-Scale Gold and Silver Mining
Observatorio Latinoamericano de Conflictos Ambientales (OLCA) conducted a literature review and community based research in order to produce a report detailing the contamination and pollution coming from two open pit gold and silver mines in Chile. Among other results, OLCA found that both these mines use a very toxic process (cyanide) for extracting these metals, which has been found to leech mercury and cyanide into the environment. Additionally, workers at these mines were found to have symptoms consistent with mercury poisoning.
Awareness and Learning Initiative of E-waste Hazard in Bangladesh
ESDO conducted a series of surveys with importers, retailers, repairers, and consumers to assess the amount of E-waste being generated by television, computers, mobile phones, CFL bulbs, and medical/dental wastes. The survey showed the production of E-waste from the electronic sector is increasing exponentially in Bangladesh, even though nearly all E-waste is manufactured abroad and imported. From this information, ESDO published an educational booklet on E-waste that was shared with the public, and developed an E-waste website with key information.
Strengthening Community Participation for Safety against Chemical Pollution
Following two separate pollution incidents by the Cleanway Technology Corporation in 2009, Cavite Green Coalition community organizers staged a series of activities to create awareness in the community and push for a closing down of the plant. This included an initial chemical safety seminar in the community that spurred a letter writing campaign to local government agencies and key officials. Mass mobilizations and picket lines outside the company followed this action and were successful in temporarily closing the plant.
Mercury- Establishing framework for “Mercury free healthcare in Nigeria”: Campaign for Alternatives to Mercury in the Health Care Sector in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) surveyed and interviewed employees of three Lagos area hospitals to document how mercury-containing devices are handled and disposed of. Questions were also asked about employee’s opinions concerning the transition of non-mercury-containing thermometers. Results of the surveying were then shared with relevant stakeholders at a day-long workshop at which potential policy and regulation changes concerning mercury use in hospital devices were discussed.
Disseminating information on chemicals in Macedonia
In 2010, Eco-Sense conducted a chemical assessment of 30 cosmetic and 30 household products found in local markets. The research resulted in a comprehensive list of chemicals present in these products, the risks linked to the chemicals found, and suggestions for chemical-free products that could be used by consumers as an alternative. In addition to a detailed report, colorful shopping guides with a picture of the product and a list of warning signs for consumers to use when choosing products were produced.