By B.B.
For Horizon

In the preparations for previous dry seasons or El Ninos that affected Palau in the past, the Government used to warn the public that some paints contain chemicals that are poisonous and should not be used to paint water tanks, roofs, and any surface that may come into contact with water that would be consumed by people. Now that we may be facing another drought that might last for many months, it is worthwhile to remind the public about these dangerous chemicals so that those who are planning to construct new water tanks or buy prefabricated containers to store water in for their families should avoid these dangerous materials when they paint their new water storage facilities.
The Government warnings explained that the United States Public Health Service "had determined that a substance called lead can be poisonous if swallowed, and that many paints and paint primers widely used in Palau and throughout Micronesia, contained lead". These paint or paint primers should not be used for painting roofs or water catchments, or any surface that can be reached by children. If paints with lead in them are used on roofs that catch drinking water, or on the inside of water storage tanks, the lead may mix with the water and cause illness in those who drink or eat food prepared with contaminated water
Furthermore, if paint with lead in it is chipped off and eaten by children, it can cause very serious illnesses or even death to the children who ate them. The Government warning also called attention to the fact that some paints contain arsenic, another deadly poison. These paints should also never be used on surfaces that come into contact with drinking or cooking water.
Before buying any kind of paint for water catchments or to paint any surface of water storage tanks, be sure to find out if the paints contain any of the poisonous chemicals mentioned herein. The information you need should be on the label of the product. It is important that you read the label entirely. You can also ask the seller of the product to help you out on this matter. Those individuals, who are interested in more information on safe and unsafe paints, should contact the Ministry of Health or the EQPB for additional or further information on lead or arsenic poisoning from paint products.
To reduce obesity, we must reduce our consumption of imported foods and increase our local food intake
It has been pointed out that the high incidence of obesity in Palau is due to the consumption of imported foods rich in cholesterol and other undesirable chemicals by the local people, particularly the young, salaried generation. To combat this problem, the experts tell us to exercise regularly and to eat more local food and to reduce our intakes of fatty, imported foods.
Fresh local foods are available at most stores and produce markets every day of the week. Fresh fish (cooked, smoked) fresh oysters (Nduul,Orwer), Kukau, Prak, Diokang, Billum and all kinds of fruits and vegetables are generally available at most stores that sell local products. There shouldn’t be any excuse for not eating local foods because of their absence in local stores or produce markets. "If you replace the imported meat, buttered bread, Rice and soda in your diet with Kukau; Eltuul, and Mengur, you’ll find yourself getting healthier and slimmer every week", they say.