ArmInfo. Czech "Arnika" Chemical Safety Organization revealed high concentrations of arsenic in the environment and chicken eggs in the Lori region of Armenia.
As executive director of "Arnika" Jindrich Petrlik noted in Yerevan on December 6, in the framework of the program on toxic substances and wastes implemented with the assistance of the Czech Foreign Ministry, samples of soil, vegetables, fruits and chicken eggs were taken in the communities of Alaverdi and Akhtala. In addition, the content of heavy metals in the hair of local residents was investigated.
According to the results of studies conducted in Prague laboratories, a high level of heavy metals was found in all soil samples taken from agriculture. It was emphasized that this factor poses a serious risk to the health of the local population.
According to the expert, in particular, an excess of maximum permissible concentrations of arsenic was found in the soil. In addition, a high nickel level was detected in the hair samples tested.
, said Jindrich Petrlik. , he added.
For his part, Czech Deputy Ambassador to Armenia Jan Plesinger noted that the level of environmental pollution in Alaverdi is a serious problem. Meanwhile, in the region of the Lori region being studied under the program, there is great potential for tourism development, and close attention should be paid to this aspect. The importance of creating healthy environmental conditions for the local population and the creation of new jobs was emphasized, which will improve the quality of life and attract tourists. In this regard, he positively evaluated the investments made in Alaverdi, expressing the hope that this will help to change the situation for the better. The project on toxic substances and waste in the Lori region of Armenia was implemented with the support of the Transition program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The project was supported by the NGO EcoLur and CCMS (Center for Community Mobilization and Support).