Taiwanese Embassy Addresses Lead Contamination in Belize Fitness Equipment

Lead contamination has been found in outdoor fitness equipment across Belize, prompting concerns over public health risks.

As we reported, the Ministry of Health and Wellness issued a directive to remove outdoor fitness equipment across Belize after tests revealed excessive lead levels. The equipment, painted yellow and red, was part of the 2018 “Wellness Parks” initiative. Research by experts from the University of Belize and Mercer University found high lead concentrations in the equipment. Affected locations include Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize City, and others.

The equipment bears signage indicating sponsorship by the Government of Belize, the Ministry of Health, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The Taiwanese Embassy in Belize issued a clarification to the ministry’s letter. It said: “The Embassy of Taiwan would like to clarify that while we provided funding for the exercise equipment in 2018, we were not involved in their procurement. The embassy takes such issues seriously and will work closely with related government agencies of Belize to ensure similar situations do not arise in our bilateral cooperative projects.”