News / National
3-legged pot could slowly be poisoning you
17 hrs ago |
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Health authorities in South Africa are warning that some informally manufactured three-legged cooking pots may expose consumers to lead poisoning, raising concerns about a hidden public health risk linked to everyday cookware.
The warning follows concerns that some of these pots—commonly used for cooking traditional meals—are being produced in the informal sector using melted scrap metal, sometimes including unsafe materials.
An investigation also found that an illegal scrap metal dealer allegedly used copper and cables from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and Transnet SOC Ltd to manufacture such pots.
According to the World Health Organization, lead exposure can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure, reproductive issues, and long-term neurological damage.
Experts warn that children are especially vulnerable, as even low levels of exposure can permanently affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioural disorders. Adults may experience high blood pressure, infertility, and cognitive decline.
Health specialist Dr Renee Street of the South African Medical Research Council said informal cookware is particularly risky because it is not regulated or tested for food safety, meaning harmful substances such as lead may be present without consumers knowing.
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla also warned that even small amounts of lead exposure can cause irreversible damage, especially in children.
Health officials emphasised that lead poisoning is often invisible and underdiagnosed, despite its serious long-term effects. Exposure can come from multiple sources, including contaminated household environments and unsafe consumer products.
While some progress has been made in regulating lead in paint and industrial materials, authorities say enforcement and public awareness remain critical challenges.
Consumers are being urged to buy cookware made from certified food-grade materials and avoid products that do not clearly indicate they are lead-free, as informal manufacturing practices continue to pose a risk.
The warning follows concerns that some of these pots—commonly used for cooking traditional meals—are being produced in the informal sector using melted scrap metal, sometimes including unsafe materials.
An investigation also found that an illegal scrap metal dealer allegedly used copper and cables from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and Transnet SOC Ltd to manufacture such pots.
According to the World Health Organization, lead exposure can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure, reproductive issues, and long-term neurological damage.
Experts warn that children are especially vulnerable, as even low levels of exposure can permanently affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioural disorders. Adults may experience high blood pressure, infertility, and cognitive decline.
Health specialist Dr Renee Street of the South African Medical Research Council said informal cookware is particularly risky because it is not regulated or tested for food safety, meaning harmful substances such as lead may be present without consumers knowing.
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla also warned that even small amounts of lead exposure can cause irreversible damage, especially in children.
Health officials emphasised that lead poisoning is often invisible and underdiagnosed, despite its serious long-term effects. Exposure can come from multiple sources, including contaminated household environments and unsafe consumer products.
While some progress has been made in regulating lead in paint and industrial materials, authorities say enforcement and public awareness remain critical challenges.
Consumers are being urged to buy cookware made from certified food-grade materials and avoid products that do not clearly indicate they are lead-free, as informal manufacturing practices continue to pose a risk.
Source - TimesLIVE
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