Kabwe has a major lead pollution problem.
Lead blood concentrations in Kabwe have been found at levels 60% higher than the amount considered fatal, a result of contamination from decades of unsafe lead mining in the region. Mining, processing and smelting of lead was largely unregulated throughout the 20th century, leading to intense amounts of the toxic metal settling in the soils around Kabwe. Though the main mine has been closed, artisanal mining still occurs in tailing piles in the city, worsening the problem. Lead blood concentrations in Kabwe have been found in excess of 200 ug/dl—higher than the 120 ug/dl levels that can be fatal. Some progress is being made, however, thanks to a $26 million remediation program carried out between 2003 and 2011.