| dc.description.abstract | Lead is a poison whose effects have been known for nearly 3,000 years and
written about by historical figures from the Greek poet and physician Nikander
to the Roman architect Vitruvius to Benjamin Franklin.' Odourless, colourless
and tasteless, lead can be detected only through chemical analysis. Unlike
carcinogens and killers as pesticides, most chemicals, waste oils and even
radioactive materials, lead does not break down over time. It does not
vaporize, and it never disappears.
Lead added to automotive fuel leads to particulate lead pollution. In recent
years, there has been concern on the PM10 particles. These particles have a
diameter of less than 10 micro - gm and can penetrate through the skin lining
into the lungs. Smoke particulates can be inhaled beyond the larynx and
penetrate to the lungs. The effect of smoke (particulates) is said to begin at
2.5 micro-gm. Diesel engine vehicles emissions particles are the most
hazardous as they emit carcinogenic 10.
The developed world long ceased the use of leaded fuel. In the USA it was
outlawed as automotive gasoline additive in 1986, many countries followed.
In 2000, The European Union banned the use leaded additives in gasoline. In
Europe all cars manufactured after 1990 use lead-free petrol.
In Kenya, the level of allowable sulphur in diesel is one percent (1%). This is
20 times more than in Europe, where the limit is 0.05%. Sulphur dioxide is
synergistic in combination with smoke. Together, they affect the respiratory
system eventually causing respiratory paralysis. Sulphur dioxide also is
responsible for acid rain.
In Kenya lead contains about 0.44gl compared to Europe where the maximum
allowed limits is 0.15gl. This represents a three-fold difference. Lead is a
Jamie Lincoln Kitman, The Secret History of Lead www.mindfully.orglPesticide/Lead-History.htm#ref
neuro-toxin that impairs the brain development of children, reduces their IQ
and causes poor concentration. Lead exposure to adults can cause elevated
blood pressure causing hypertension, heart attacks and premature death.
The use of lead oil products generates green house gases. Green house
gases trap heat from the sun leading to an increase in the earth temperature
resulting in changes in climatic patterns.
Motorists, vehicle mechanics or artisans working in Jua Kali garages and the
general public are exposed to a variety of harmful agents. The urban poor
are also at risk since they typically live adjacent to the road thus are exposed
to high levels of lead and sulphur and unknown levels of organic pollutants
such as benzene and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).
UNIVERSITY O~ NAIROBI
Heavy vehicle traffic, especially in the urban ce MgtllitL &Nof
lead pollution in Kenya. Lead accounts for 90% of all atmospheric emissions
in the country. As professor Ratemo Miechieka, Executive Director, National
Environment Management Authority (NEMA) points out. Development we
must, but in a sustainable manner. Let us begin by making our production and
consumption pattern sustainable. It is time we ask ourselves how we treat our
used oil and how energy efficient our systems are
Rapid population growth is cited as an aspect that has increased pollution as
the demand for agricultural and industrial goods and services has increased
leading to the generation of vast amounts of waste. The useable waste, if not
properly disposed (of) is not only an environmental hazard, but also an eye
sore. Kenya's air pollution is from the massive releases of pollutants by the
high and unsustainable consumption of energy, petroleum and its by products,
2 Professor Ratemo Micheka (I" Quarter 2005) Petroleum Insight: Magazine of Petroleum Industry Page 4
transport and industrial resources. Fumes produced from consumption of
leaded oil are detrimental to the environment and the people living in it. 3
Though most countries are yet to make this a major policy issue, information
on contributing factors to climatic changes and variability and incidences of
climatic-induced diseases require consideration when coming up with control
strategies. A combination of environment management, chemical and
biological control has been suggested in national level strategies. The
increase in green house gas and the importance of climate has manifested
itself in several forms, in different regions.
Deficiency in fresh water, air etc, resulting from climate changes has the
potential to deepen through poor sanitary and health conditions. Man is
getting more vulnerable to infections. Vulnerability of man to climate changes
occurs due to the variation in the frequency and duration of those changes or
because people are constrained socially, economically or politically, from
responding adequately to those changes.
Climatic variability is already having a huge negative effect on Kenya socioeconomic
development. This is likely to worsen if the contributing factors to
climate change are not addressed, Factors contributing to climate changes
such as lead poisoning of air and water are likely to compound the difficulties
faced by a region where agricultural yields and per capital foods production
have been steadily declining and where population growth is expected to
double the demand for food, health and water among other resources.
Government roles include development of clean air policies and to ensure that
the emission standards are developed and enforced. Such standards should
match the air standards, fuel standards and vehicle standards and should have
3 Davidson, 0., Halsnaes . The development and climate nexus: The case of Sub-Saharan Africa. Climate
Policy (2003).
sufficient lead-time for implementation to ensure stability. Kenya is currently
in the process of developing and legislating air emissions standards through
the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).
It will take informed people, clean fuel and clean vehicles to effectively reduce
emission. It is then important to acknowledge the role fuel retailers, service
stations attendants and supervisors play in educating and advising its public on
fuel specification, hence empowering the motoring public to make informed
purchases. Nature and impact of unleaded premium campaigns in Kenya
are a noteworthy survey. | en |
