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Contact:
Shannon Lebourne
Monday, November 23, 2009 – The Ministry of Health has given approval for
a Persistent Organic Pollutants Study (POPS) to be conducted here in Saint
Lucia.
The study, which will be undertaken by a network of health experts,
environmentalists, researchers and public and private sector partners, will
assess to what extent organic pollutants like mercury and lead are impacting on
human health and the environment.
Coordinator of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Study Lyndon Robertson, says
the results of the study will guide the development and implementation of
national policies for public health and environmental protection. “We express
gratitude and sincere thanks to the Ministry of Health for their willingness to
participate in this study, and for providing the necessary support in ensuring
that everything is in place for conducting the study here in Saint Lucia,”
Robertson remarked.
Maternal blood samples will be used as part of the study. The findings of the
study will be used to deal with medical and health concerns which may arise from
the use of persistent organic pollutants.
Senior Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Merlene Frederick, says
the Persistent Organic Pollutants Study will be of tremendous benefit to the
health sector. She also underscored the importance of conducting such research
exercises. “Many times we come across various health complaints from patients
who have cancers and other diseases and sometimes we ask ourselves why is this
happening. Research is definitely the way to go as it will give us the answers
that we need and in cases where it cannot give all the answers, it may probe
further research and questioning which may lead to the answers,” Frederick said.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants Study is being supported by the Pan American
Health Organisation, the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute and other
partners.
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