BSMMU, Pure Earth team up to fight childhood lead poisoning

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and the US-headquartered non-profit organisation Pure Earth signed an agreement on Sunday, highlighting the urgent need to address the severe impact of lead exposure on children and maternal health.
The deal signing ceremony was held at BSMMU to combat this critical public health issue with a collaborative effort, according to a media release.
Bangladesh ranks fourth globally in lead pollution impact, with an estimated 36 million kids -- roughly 60 per cent of the nation's children -- suffering from the toxic metal poisoning. Their average blood lead level stands at 6.8 ?g/dL.
A recent World Bank study shows that lead exposure has cost Bangladeshi children a collective 20 million IQ points, translating to a huge economic cost of $10.897 billion -- equivalent to 3.6 per cent of the country's GDP. In Bangladesh, the major sources of lead exposure include used-lead acid battery recycling in informal settings, leaded paint, aluminium cookware, ceramic food ware, spices, toys, cosmetics, food, electronic waste, fertilisers, and cultured fish feed.