The harmful effects of toxic waste, which killed six people in Ivory Coast and made thousands ill after being dumped in Abidjan, are reportedly easing as some of the chemicals evaporate, the Health Ministry said tonight.
Nearly 9,000 people have sought treatment for symptoms that include vomiting, nausea and breathing difficulties caused by noxious fumes from the poisonous fuel slops, which were deposited at open-air sites around the economic capital.
Several children were among those who died from inhaling the fumes in the lagoon-side city.
Public outcry over the dumped toxic black sludge, which was unloaded by a Panamanian-registered ship in Abidjan port last month, resulted in the resignation of the government in the war-divided West African country last week.
Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer but cocoa exporters have reported no impact on their operations from the pollution.
A team of scientists and civil protection officials from France flew in on Friday to analyse the substance and work out a plan to clean it up. They were joined by experts from the United Nations and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"They said it is ... hydrogen sulphide which is causing the problem," Health Ministry spokesman Simeon N'Da said.
"Fortunately, they said a lot has evaporated into the air which means the risks are lower for the population."