Potentially toxic elements exposure from informal and home-based industries or outsourced activities and associated risks for children, adolescents and women of childbearing age

Abstract

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) set an overall agenda to advance equity and health. Owing to the interrelated nature of the SDGs, a multidisciplinary research approach is necessary. Protecting and creating healthy environments is a key aspect of sustainable development. Heavy metals are toxic pollutants causing adverse health effects on humans, wildlife and the environment. Heavy metals can be transported over long distances and can contaminate agricultural lands as well as aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Such environmental health issues transcend national borders. The proposed project aims to explore evidence gaps regarding families exposure to potentially toxic elements through informal home-based industries, and outsourced activities in urban settings. The project has a strong capacity development element offering opportunities to postgraduate students and academics to implement transcontinental research programs. The overarching theme is to harness research innovation and academic excellence through collaboration, networking and public engagement. (AU)