Lead: Metal that has no ‘safe’ level

Eight years ago, in 2008, a metal refinery was set up in Owino Uhuru, an informal settlement located 8km from Mombasa town, and it has resulted in lead poisoning for residents. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Eight years ago, in 2008, a metal refinery was set up in Owino Uhuru, an informal settlement located 8km from Mombasa town.

The company, appropriately named Metal Refineries, refined lead – a heavy metal – from used car batteries and to get the work done, they hired casual and support stuff from the neighbourhood.