EXCLUSIVE: Lead Contamination Found in Outdoor Fitness Equipment Across Belize

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has issued an urgent directive to municipalities across Belize following the discovery of excessive lead (Pb) in outdoor fitness equipment located in parks nationwide.

The letter said, “It has been brought to our attention that a number of the Outdoor Fitness Equipment (OFE), the ones that are painted yellow and red located in parks countrywide, have tested positive for excessive lead (Pb).

The equipment, painted yellow and red, was procured in 2018 and installed in various public areas as part of Belize’s “First Ever Wellness Parks” initiative.

It added, “Eight different sets of OFE in six different Belizean communities were analyzed and found to contain high concentrations of lead (Pb). The locations assessed were Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, and Benque Viejo del Carmen. Additional parks in San Pedro, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also received this equipment.”

Dangriga Mayor, Robert Mariano, told News Five that the Dangriga Town Council removed the equipment two years ago due to rust.

The alarming findings were revealed through research conducted by Dr. Joaquin Urbina, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Belize, in collaboration with Dr. Adam Kiefer and Dr. Addie Buerck from Mercer University.

The equipment, which bears signage indicating sponsorship by the Government of Belize, the Ministry of Health, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), was found to contain high concentrations of lead in its paint. The MOHW has requested the immediate removal and careful disposal of the affected equipment to prevent potential health risks.