The competent ministries of the Zenica-Doboj canton are undertaking activities within their competence after an increased concentration of lead in the blood was found in a certain number of residents of the Pržići and Daštansko settlements in the municipality of Vareš.
ZDK Health Minister Aida Salčinović clarified that the Vareš Health Center addressed the Institute for Health and Food Safety in Zenica in an official letter, so that the Institute’s expert teams would go to the field and assess the epidemiological situation regarding possible lead poisoning.
– Biochemical tests and determination of lead concentration in the blood were carried out. Out of a total of 44 analyzed samples, 17 were found to have an elevated lead concentration, but without clinical signs of acute poisoning. The institute took all measures within its jurisdiction, cantonal and local inspection supervision was ordered, and municipal authorities were recommended to carry out active supervision over the population. The medical documentation of those persons, who are currently symptom-free, is currently being reviewed – stated Minister Salčinović.
Speaking about the next steps, including the possibility of testing workers and miners of Dundee Precious Metals (DPM), Minister Salčinović emphasized that the priority is to determine the cause of the increased lead concentration.
– It is necessary to identify and remove the cause. Analyzes have shown that the water in the mentioned settlements is hygienically correct and is not a source of contamination. Medical surveillance of the population continues, and in the event of the appearance of symptoms, appropriate therapeutic measures will be applied immediately, including detoxification and chelation therapy – said Salčinović.
According to the available information, the company DPM has already submitted a request for testing its employees, which is an obligation defined by the contract.
ZDK Economy Minister Samir Šibonjić emphasized that the ZDK Government, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Health continuously monitor the situation in Vares.
– The Ministry of Economy provides support to investors and business entities operating in the area of ZDK, but the health of citizens is an absolute priority. We insist that all entities respect their obligations, including the obligation of the concessionaire to conduct the necessary tests and take care of the protection of people’s health – emphasized Šibonjić.
He added that the Ministry of Health and the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs of the ZDK are monitoring the situation on the ground and that the public and the media will be informed in a timely manner about all official data. He also emphasized that, when it comes to metals, federal institutions and inspections have jurisdiction.
– We are convinced that the competent federal institutions will take all necessary measures in order to determine the cause of this phenomenon – said Šibonjić.
Minister Šibonjić added that they currently do not have information on whether the testing of DPM workers has already been carried out, but he emphasized that it is the company’s obligation to perform tests on both employees and the population in the surrounding area, and that at this time the question of the validity of permits for the operation of the mine in Vares cannot be prejudged.
