Cooking in “Dades3n”- The Possible Reason Why Your Children Are Not Clever In School

A recent study conducted across four regions in Ghana, examining nearly 200 consumer products and food samples, has unveiled concerning levels of lead contamination in the popular metal cookware known as 'dades3n.' This extensive Global Rapid Market screening study, the largest of its kind, sheds light on distressing lead levels in consumer goods and food produced in low and middle-income countries, including Ghana, with potential global repercussions.

The research, carried out by the environmental NGO Pure Earth's Blacksmith Initiative, indicates that lead contamination is alarmingly prevalent in various items. Specifically, metal cookware (Dades3n) shows a lead contamination rate of 55%, ceramic cookware at 18%, children's toys at 14%, and local mascara cosmetics at 7%.

A recent World Bank report underscores the severity of lead exposure, which significantly impacts IQ levels. It reveals that children under 5 years old worldwide have collectively lost 765 million IQ points due to lead exposure, with 729 million IQ points lost by those living in low and middle-income nations. On average, each child experiences a loss of 5.9 IQ points, which is 80% higher than previous


Esmond Wisdom Quansah, the Country Director for Pure Earth, emphasizes that using these metallic cookwares poses a significant risk of lead poisoning. The study's consistent results across multiple experiments underscore the need for public awareness and consideration of alternative options to mitigate further harm.

According to Edmond Wisdom Quansah, this highlights a significant safety concern; if you use any of these metal or 'dades3n' cookware, there's a risk of lead poisoning.

He further explained that the agency has taken a step further by conducting what they call a leach test to determine how much of this lead in these metallic or aluminum cooking pots actually seeps into the food; the results from the researchers  were quite surprising, he added.

Again, he exposed that out of the lead present in these metallic cookwares, 55% actually leached into the food. The experiment was repeated six times, and the results remained consistent. This is a cause for alarm, and that's why we're sharing this information with the public," he clarified.


Dangers of Lead poisoning 

Lead poisoning from food can have serious health consequences. Here are some dangers associated with lead poisoning in foods:


1. Neurological Damage: Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause permanent neurological damage, particularly in children. It can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

2. Cognitive Impairment: Long-term exposure to lead in food can result in cognitive impairment, affecting memory, attention, and overall cognitive function.

3. Anemia: Lead can interfere with the body's production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia. Anemic individuals may experience fatigue, weakness, and other health issues.

4. Gastrointestinal Problems: Lead poisoning can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can be particularly harmful in children.

5. Kidney Damage: Lead can accumulate in the kidneys, potentially causing kidney damage or even kidney failure over time.


6. Hypertension: Chronic lead exposure has been linked to high blood pressure (hypertension), increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

7. Reproductive Issues: Lead exposure can harm reproductive health, leading to fertility problems and complications during pregnancy.

8. Behavioral and Mood Changes: Lead poisoning can lead to mood swings, irritability, and changes in behavior, affecting a person's quality of life.

9. Joint and Muscle Pain: Lead poisoning can cause joint and muscle pain, making it uncomfortable to move and perform daily activities.

10. Damage to Multiple Organs: Lead can affect multiple organ systems, including the liver, heart, and bones, causing a wide range of health problems.


Preventing lead contamination in food is crucial. This includes monitoring food sources, especially for children and pregnant women, and avoiding foods or cooking methods that may introduce lead, such as using lead-glazed pottery or storing acidic foods in lead-containing containers. Regulatory agencies also play a role in setting limits on acceptable lead levels in food to protect public health. If you suspect lead exposure or poisoning, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.

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