Normally one comes across notices such as Beware of thieves in shady places but rarely the reverse! In this complex modern world of high technology, the small-time petty voler feray (metal thief) is not only a blight on society but a dangerous occupation. Twenty years ago in 1987 two scrap-metal thieves in Goiania, Brazil, stole a discarded teletherapy machine from a local clinic. They tried to dismantle it and, in the process, they ruptured the shielded capsule, releasing highly radioactive Caesium 137. The scrap-metal dealer, who purchased that ?piece of junk? from his ?suppliers?, noticed that it glowed blue in the dark. People from around came to see the phenomenon and small bits of the glowing substance was even distributed to ?visitors?. A few days later, vomiting and other gastro-intestinal symptoms started to appear. To cut a long story short, 112,000 people had to be screened for radio-activity, 250 were found to be contaminated, 20 became critically ill; 4 died, alas, including our two voler feray.

What can be done

In this era of high-tech, the number of toxic chemicals is staggering. After the well publicised chemical accidents at Tchernobyl and other places, after these four ghost ships, which dumped toxic wastes from Europe to Côte d?Ivoire, the utmost care must be taken by developing countries like ours: for a start, to fully respect the international conventions on the transport and disposal of hazardous wastes, then being prepared for any eventuality.

What you can do

Many products used in the home and workplace contain hazardous chemicals. If properly handled, these products do not pose hazardous waste problems, but, in an emergency, they may become a threat to health. Here are some common sense precautions you can take to ensure your safety and that of your household:

Buy only what you need and use it all up before buying more; use non-toxic products when these are available .

Keep all products in their original container.

Never put toxic products in a food or drink container.

Never remove product labels. They contain important, emergency treatment information.

Store toxic products where children cannot find them.

Keep hazardous products in a cool, dry place, away from pilot lights, or water heaters. Store corrosive, flammable or poisonous products on separate shelves.

Always return the product to its proper place after using it.

Read the label and follow precisely the directions.

Wear protective clothing if product is harmful when in contact with the skin. Wear goggles if product can harm the eyes.

Stop using the product if you become dizzy or develop a headache. For proper ventilation, it is best to use chemicals outdoors. Never mix household products. Toxic fumes or explosions may result.

Seek medical advice if you suspect you have been poisoned or injured due to an exposure to a household chemical.

Finally, this weekend or, today itself if time permits, conduct a thorough inspection of all hazardous chemicals at home. This will not be time wasted!

Dr. Michael ATCHIA