Tanzania – Leaded Gasoline Phase Out

The Problem

The government of Tanzania has developed a leaded gas phase-out action plan and it was discussed at a national stakeholders’ meeting in Dar es Salaam in September, 2003. The country’s planned phase-out of leaded gasoline is part of a larger initiative to ban the use of leaded gasoline in Sub Saharan Africa, as stated in the Dakar Declaration of 2001.

Health Impact

The effects of lead are the same whether it enters the body through breathing or swallowing. The main target for lead toxicity is the nervous system, both in adults and children. Long-term exposure of adults to lead at work has resulted in decreased performance in some tests that measure functions of the nervous system. Lead exposure may also cause weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles. Lead exposure also causes small increases in blood pressure, particularly in middle-aged and older people. Lead exposure may also cause anemia. At high levels of exposure, lead can severely damage the brain and kidneys in adults or children and ultimately cause death. In pregnant women, high levels of exposure to lead may cause miscarriage. High-level exposure in men can damage the organs responsible for sperm production.

Project Activity

The Lawyers Environmental Action Team has launched an awareness campaign to put pressure on both vendors and the government to comply with the phase-out.

Outcome

Blacksmith Institute has supported the Government of Tanzania to ratify a ban on the selling and importation of leaded gasoline. The government of Tanzania developed a leaded gas phase-out action plan and it was discussed at a Blacksmith supported national stakeholders’ meeting in Dar es Salaam in September, 2003.