Certain childhood diseases traced to lead, mercury

Certain illnesses in children might be traced to poisonous chemicals, a toxicologist said yesterday.

Dr. Irma Makalinao of the University of the Philippines’ National Poison Management and Control Center said they have observed a rise in illnesses like neuro-developmental delays and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, congenital anomalies, cancer and asthma.

These illnesses might have something to do with children’s exposure to toxic chemicals in the immediate environment, she added.

Makalinao cited the case of a nine-year-old boy whom she had treated when she was still practicing pediatric medicine.

"The father was using mercury to purify gold," she said in an interview during the National Forum on Health and Environment yesterday.

"And for nine years, he was working at the ground floor of their house, which was made of wood. Through the slits in the floors, the child got exposed to the chemical," she added.

Makalinao said the boy was initially diagnosed with cerebral malaria, but it turned out that his neurological problem was caused by his constant exposure to mercury.

"You know what happened to this child?" she asked. "After two weeks of treating him, it was like watching a movie. His condition was improving after I gave him drugs to detoxify him."

Makalinao said mercury, arsenic and lead are major focuses of global concern against toxic chemicals.

"Mercury is tagged as a global pollutant," she said.

"There are recommendations to phase out mercury, particularly in the health sector. We are really recommending not to use mercury thermometers anymore."

The boy’s case influenced her decision to focus on toxicology, she added.

Makalinao said when a thermometer breaks, its mercury content could become a source of contamination.

Digital thermometers should be used instead, she added.

Makalinao said those involved in battery recycling might get exposed to lead.

"It’s only recently that we removed lead from our gasoline," she noted. "We still have to deal with those who have lead in their bodies. It will stay there for a long time, especially if it’s a child who got exposed. It would take years before lead is removed from the body."

The substance is also found in the paint used in common households, she added.

The impact of children’s exposure to toxic chemicals could be gauged more accurately if a study is conducted in the country, Makalinao said. — Sheila Crisostomo