'Effects of toxic waste easing'
2006-09-11 21:37
Abidjan - The harmful effects of toxic waste, which killed six people in Ivory Coast and left thousands ill after being dumped in Abidjan, are easing as some of the chemicals evaporate, said the health ministry on Monday.
About 9 000 people have sought treatment for symptoms that include vomiting, nausea and breathing difficulties caused by noxious fumes from the poisonous fuel slops, which were deposited at open-air sites around the economic capital.
Several children were among those who died from inhaling the fumes in the lagoon-side city.
Public outcry on the dumped toxic black sludge, which was unloaded by a Panamanian-registered ship in Abidjan port last month, resulted in the resignation of the government in the war-divided West African country last week.
Ivory Coast is the world's No 1 cocoa producer, but cocoa exporters have reported no impact on their operations from the pollution.
Smell of rotten eggs
A team of scientists and civil protection officials from France flew in on Friday to analyse the substance and work out a plan to clean it up.
They were joined by experts from the United Nations and the world health organisation(WHO).
"They said it is... hydrogen sulphide which is causing the problem," said health ministry spokesperson Simeon N'Da.
"Fortunately, they said a lot has evaporated into the air which means the risks are lower for the population."
Hydrogen sulphide, which gives off the smell of rotten eggs, can be deadly in high concentrations, but harmless in small quantities although its strong odour can still be detected.
French diplomats said there were plans for the waste to be collected from the dumpsites and stored in a watertight tank or pit before being processed to eliminate its toxic content.