The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is compiling a report on lead exposure in the southern town of Rosh Pinah.

The ministry's public relations officer, Walter Kamanya, confirmed this to nbc News today.

Exposure to lead or lead poisoning can lead to brain damage, paralysis, and kidney failure. It may also affect the reproductive system while hindering growth and intelligence, especially among children.

According to the Africa Briefing website, 30 children in Rosh Pinah were found to carry lead in their bloodstream.

Their exposure is related to nearby Trevail Mining Corp., previously known as Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine.

The Canadian company mines lead and zinc.

Of the 30 children identified, a one-year-old baby showed a blood lead concentration of as high as 25 micrograms per deciliter, whereas the World Health Organisation prescribed safe levels of not exceeding five micrograms per deciliter.

Kamanya noted that the ministry on its own has taken blood samples from the affected children, which were sent for lab testing.

It is hoped that those results will allow the Health Ministry to complete its report on lead exposure, which is being done in line with WHO regulations.

He noted that mines often fail to update the ministry on chemical contamination resulting from their activities.

He advised that mines should report instances where people's health is jeopardised for remedial action to be taken on time.