Life under the toxic mountain
source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2010/jul/15/lead-refugees-mitrovica-kosovo?utm_source=...
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The Guardian video report shows a chilling tale of refugees left to live next to a toxic lead heap in Kosovo. In 1999 the Roma were forced out of their homes in South Mitrovica and were placed next to the lead heap. Paul Polansky states he questioned the location becuase of the toxic waste but was told the refugees would only be there for 45 days. However, 10 years later, and after much campaigning, the Roma are still living next to the toxic waste and it is affecting their lives.
In the video, one family with 9 children report on the slow poisoning of their children by the lead, which can cause brain damage and lost memory.
In 2000, the UN took blood tests and found high levels of lead and requested the people were moved. In 2004 the World Health organisation did the same and recommended the people were moved away.
People on all sides are upset by the lack of action and the response to the lack of action is
because of the complex political situation in Kosovo resulting in responsibility to move to different groups. 5min video in link.
In the video, one family with 9 children report on the slow poisoning of their children by the lead, which can cause brain damage and lost memory.
In 2000, the UN took blood tests and found high levels of lead and requested the people were moved. In 2004 the World Health organisation did the same and recommended the people were moved away.
People on all sides are upset by the lack of action and the response to the lack of action is
because of the complex political situation in Kosovo resulting in responsibility to move to different groups. 5min video in link.
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