Biochemist Tasks Govt, Agencies On Environmental Best Practices

A Clinical Biochemist, Prof. Oluyemi Akinloye, has urged governments and relevant agencies to promote environmental best practices to prevent harmful chemical effluence on the nation’s waterways and land.
Akinloye, who is also the Head, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Akinloye said that there should be policies to address the scooping of chemicals by vulnerable communities during accidental spillage, especially petrochemicals or inhaling of chemical substances from industries.
“Chemicals are highly reactive macromolecules, many of which are found everywhere in the country.
“The global availability of information on chemical substances, especially through the internet and social media, has placed dangerous and hazardous chemicals in the hand of wrong people.
“In addition, increase of unregulated industrial activities has also increased emission of chemicals and its products into the environment.
“The significant amount of exposure we get, as this substances or compound, is able to disrupt the hormonal balance of human body,” Akinloye said.
The expert said that several damaging incidences witnessed in recent time in the world underscore the reality and seriousness of the situation.
“The use of chemical weapon in northern Syria and several incidences of lead toxicity in Nigeria and some other emerging accident emission of chemicals due to road accident in our environment are cases for concern.
“It is only wise for the global and local community to be ready to combat this dangerous situation when it occurs.
“Exposure of chemical substances such as lead and carbon monoxide causes morbidity, especially in children.
“Similar morbidity was reported in lead exposure both in Niger and Zamfara State in Nigeria.
“The chronic effects of these chemicals over time in these communities are important public health issue,” he said.
Akinloye called for need to develop capacities to safety, securely and responsive detection, handle and control of dangerous chemicals.