Occupational Knowledge International

Occupational Knowledge International (OK International) focused on the following program areas in 2017:OK International is working in Northern Nigeria (see Schedule F) to introduce safer mining practices in communities impacted from severe lead poisoning. The source of exposure is gold ore that contains significant concentrations of lead. Our work in these mining communities involves training miners, introducing dust control strategies, and encourage efforts to reduce off-site contamination. In addition to addressing lead hazards, we are piloting methods to reduce the respirable silica dust that is a significant risk factor for active Tuberculosis. Silica dust exposure causes, silicosis, cancer and is a significant risk factor for tuberculosis. OK International is working to prevent lead poisoning by identifying sources of exposure that contribute significant exposures to vulnerable population in low and middle-income countries. We published one study examining blood lead levels of children in Cameroon and another editorial on the global lead battery industry. The two articles published in the scientific peer-reviewed literature in 2017 are: Monebenimp, F., Kuepouo, G., Chelo, D., Anatole, P. C., Kany Bissek, A. C. Z., & Gottesfeld, P. (2017). Blood lead levels among children in Yaound cameroon. Frontiers in public health, 5, 163. Gottesfeld, P. (2017). The lead battery: A growing global public health challenge. American journal of public health, 107(7), 1049-1050.In addition, we completed site investigations and testing to assess environmental controls in lead recycling plants in seven countries throughout Africa. We made a presentation for the UN Environment Programme at a workshop they organized on lead battery recycling with 10 African countries participating in July, 2017. We also presented at a workshop for the California Environmental Protection Agency on Future Challenges on Lead Battery Recycling in November, 2017.