麻豆社

New research indicates that a third of all children have high levels of lead in their blood, putting their mental and physical health at risk. Africa is the second worst-affected region in the world, after South Asia. The research, carried out by the UN children's agency, UNICEF, and the environmental group Pure Earth, warns concentrations of lead in the body can be so high that they stop the development of the brain, heart and other vital organs. Audrey Brown has been talking to Nicholas Rees, UNICEF's climate and environment specialist and the report's co-author.

(Photo: A general ward at the Anka General Hospital, treating patients who have lead poisoning. Credit: Getty Images)