As part of efforts to mitigate the effects of harmful actions of raw materials and exposure to dangerous chemicals during manufacturing, quarrying, and mining activities in the country, the Raw Materials Research and Development council (RMRDC) has stepped up activities within the newly established RMRDC Toxicology Center (TIC) to provide impetus and improved standards in the nation’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Professor Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, Tuesday, said this while receiving a delegation from the UK Health Security Agency led by Dr. Raquel Duarte-Davidson, Head Chemicals and Environmental Effects Department, UKHSA in the Council.
According to the press statement signed by the Director Corporate Services Department RMRDC Mr Chucks Ngaha, that the DG while welcoming the August visitors who were on facts finding mission to inspect facilities at the center, said the Center was set up by the Council in 2023, to render emergency help to victims of chemical and mineral poisoning in the Country.
The DG said the Center was focused on providing succor to mining operators and manufacturers using harmful chemicals within the manufacturing corridor as well as to local miners when they get exposed to harmful substances and toxic minerals during their operations by providing helpful information that can help save lives whenever poisoning occurs.
“Interested individuals or persons who suffer any toxic attack and are under emergency are encouraged to call the Center toll line on 09011851342, 09034331070, or 07044132962 for immediate response.” He said.
He said the Center has translated information materials on the services of the Center into three major languages (English, Hausa and Yoruba) so that people in rural areas will not be left out.
Also contributing, the Project lead, Prof. Anoka Njan explained that the Center is presently being manned by Medical Doctors, Pharmacists and other Paramedics. He said the Medical Doctors and Pharmacists have been trained in South Africa on how to receive calls and give advice to callers that request for help in case of emergencies.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Dr. Raquel Duarte-Davidson expressed satisfaction with the operations of the Center even as she noted that the Center could derive greater support through strategic partnerships with relevant bodies within the country and beyond.
