Asbestos, Lead in Older Homes Pose Serious Health Risks, Experts Warn

Nigerian public health experts are warning that asbestos roofing and lead-based paints or pipes, commonly used in homes built from the 1970s through the 1990s, pose serious long-term health dangers to residents.

Doctors state that exposure to these materials increases the risk of lung cancer, infertility, developmental delays in children, and chronic conditions like headaches and abdominal pain. Children and pregnant women are noted as particularly vulnerable to lead contamination.

Despite a 2011 national ban on asbestos in construction and lead-based paints, the materials remain present in many older buildings due to their past affordability and availability.

“When asbestos breaks, it releases fibres that, when inhaled, cause lung damage and irritation,” explained Dr. Ekaete Tobin, a Public Health Physician. She added that lead from peeling paint or old pipes can leach into the environment, potentially causing neurological damage and blood disorders over time.

Doctors advise that intact asbestos poses a lower risk, but caution is required during renovation or removal to prevent releasing toxic fibres. Recommendations include switching to safer alternatives like PVC ceilings, ensuring good hygiene, and consulting medical advice if experiencing related symptoms.

The physicians are calling for greater public awareness, health surveys of older buildings, and the use of modern, regulated building materials to phase out these hidden hazards.