Illegal dumping of hazardous waste, Côte d'Ivoire - December 1997
In December 1997, approximately 1,020 tons of hazardous waste was illegally dumped at the port of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The waste contained sulfuric acid (60%), phenol (15%), and chlorinated organic compounds (10%). 26,000 residents complained of health problems, and more than 1,000 received treatment. At least 15 people are reported to have died from acute poisoning. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and other organizations contributed approximately $3 million to the treatment and removed approximately 8,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil. The incident was the result of exploitation of the waste treatment cost difference between Europe and Cote d'Ivoire, which prompted the Basel Convention to tighten regulations. The country subsequently banned all hazardous waste imports and improved its management system.
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