Sci-Afric Journal of Scientific Issues, Research and Essays

2

Authors: Muhammad Mumtaz.

Man and women, due to their physical structure and power, were differentiated with essence of life which remained present in different Eras/civilizations in different shapes. Although, divine religions played role to decrease this difference/ unbalance situation. But unfortunately, existence of this distinction could not be decreased. In ancient Eras when basic necessities of life were only limited to personal safety/searching food, up to that this distinction was bore able. But, in present modern era, life requires a lot of necessities and facilities besides personal safety and searching for food. In this era social life depends upon the equal coordination among men and women. However, difference between men and woman could not be eliminated even in this modern era. To hide this difference a number of evil customs/usages have been promoted. These evil customs/usages cause destruction in society and decrease process of collective progress. These evil customs cause hindrances in social progress of women and increase incidents of violence against them. In this research paper a critical view is made over the existing evil customs regarding women. Laws relating to these evil customs are discussed in this research paper. Loopholes, irregularities/ Lacunas in law, relating to some evil customs nothing are legislated. It is also discussed in this research paper that how hindrances in effecting laws can be removed to incline women for their active participation in national progress. Role of NGOs is also highlighted for the empowerment and awareness of women. Recommendations are also set out for the effectiveness of law and betterment of women.

2

Authors: Ezeugoigwe N. Nwachukwu, Wilfred A. Abia and Michael U. Orji

Lead poisoning is a serious public health concern in Nigeria. Exposure to lead exerts toxic effects in several body organs and interferes with a variety of biochemical processes including nervous system development, thus, more toxic in children. Notwithstanding, occupational exposure particularly tricycle repairers in Nigeria is vague. The survey reports on the nature and extent to which tricycle repairers at Oshodi, Nigeria exposure to lead at workplace. Twenty tricycle repairers were randomly recruited and their anthropometric parameters were collected and recorded in a Quantum Health Machine (QHM). The automated QHM examined each repairer’s total (blood, tissues, organs, bones and body) lead contents immediately each repairer held the QHM’s sensitive handle and results displayed on detector screen. Repairers were mainly exposed to lead through lead tetraethyl (an antiknock agent in petrol). Repairers were exposed by ingestion and inhalation routes during siphoning of petrol in and out from petrol tanks. Generally, 85% of studied repairers had moderate 40% to severe 48% abnormal contents of lead in their bodies while 15% repairers were of mild abnormal lead contents. The overall mean and median levels of lead in studied repairers were 162.8 and 165.1 (range: 100.2–196.4)μg/dL respectively. These levels are higher than levels of lead reported in other adult populations elsewhere in Nigeria but exceeded the Food and Drug Administration provisional total tolerable intake level of 75 μg/dL/day for adults. The situation may be worse considering long term exposures, thus, education intervention strategies to reduce exposure levels are urgent.