Fighting lead poisoning

Bangladesh is the fourth most lead-polluted country in the world and about 36 million, which is 60 per cent of the country's children population, are poisoned by lead with an average blood lead level of 6.8 ?g/dL, according to a World Bank study. The study also shows that children in Bangladesh have lost 20 million Intelligence Quotient (IQ) points causing a high economic cost of USD 10,897 million. The major sources of lead exposure include used-lead acid battery recycling in informal settings, leaded paint, adulteration of turmeric, industrial paints, aluminium cookware, ceramic food ware, toys, cosmetics, food, electronic waste, fertilisers and cultured fish feed.
Lead poisoning affects both mental and physical health of children. It can cause lifelong neurological, cognitive and physical impairment to them. The heavy metal also causes heart diseases and strokes in adults. Exposure to lead damages the foetuses of pregnant women. So, there is an urgent need for building the health system's capacity to fight lead pollution. The authorities concerned should regularly conduct drives against illegal manufacturing and recycling of batteries as about 85 per cent of the total global lead use is found at battery factories. Also, we need to create mass awareness against lead poisoning.

Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
[email protected]