Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned residents of the state to be vigilant against the dangers of lead contamination in foods and other consumer products, describing prolonged exposure to the toxic substance as a serious public health threat.
General Manager of the Agency, Afolabi Soledo said lead exposure remains a major health concern capable of causing irreversible damage to vital organs and impairing children’s physical and cognitive development.
According to him, consumers are often unaware of the presence of lead in certain substandard, counterfeit or improperly regulated products, making public awareness and informed purchasing decisions critical.
“Exposure to lead is extremely dangerous and can result in severe health complications, including brain damage, particularly in children, kidney failure, high blood pressure, developmental delays and long-term organ damage,” Soledo said.
He noted that children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead poisoning, which can affect learning ability, behaviour and overall development.
The LASCOPA boss stressed that continuous exposure to contaminated foods and unsafe consumer products poses significant risks not only to individuals but also to public health generally.
“As consumers, we must remain vigilant about the products we purchase and consume. Preventing exposure to harmful substances begins with making informed choices and reporting suspicious products to the appropriate authorities,” he added.
To reduce the risk of lead exposure and other health hazards, the agency advised residents to purchase only certified products from reputable sources, avoid unknown brands and unlabelled goods, and carefully read product labels before use or consumption.
The agency also urged consumers to support anti-counterfeit initiatives and promptly report suspicious products found in the marketplace to contact LASCOPA through its email address, lascopa@gmail.com, or its toll-free line, 0800 005 2726.
