THE CAUSES OF LEAD POISONING AND EFFECTS ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH

A World Bank-organised international conference on the prevention and treatment of lead poisoning began on Monday, 8 February 1999, in the southern Indian city of Bangalore.

Highly toxic to humans lead is non-biodegradable, accumulating in the air, in drinking water and anywhere else where it is deposited by human industry.  A recent study in six major Indian cities found about 51.4 per cent of children under 12 had dangerous blood lead levels (over than 10 micrograms per decilitre*)

MAIN CAUSES
  
FACTS AND EFFECTS

Petrol additives

Food can soldering

Lead based paint

Ceramic glazes

Drinking water systems

Cosmetic and folk remedies
Children's digestive systems absorb up to 50 per cent of the lead they ingest
 
 
 
 
 

Lead dust from toys, floors, pets and soil is ingested when children put their hands in their mouths or suck their thumbs
  • High lead retention in children up to six years old inhibits brain development
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  • Blood lead levels of around 10mg/dl* are associated with disturbances in early physical and mental growth
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  • Studies show each 10mg/dl lowers a child's Intelligence Quotient by as much as 5.8 points (average IQ = 100)
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  • High doses cause coma, convulsions and death.  Lower levels may cause anemia
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  • The World Health Organisation estimates 15 - 18 million children in developing countries are suffering permanent brain damage due to lead poisoning
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  • Between 1976 and 1991 the virtual elimination of U.S. leaded gasolin led to a 77 per cent drop in average blood lead level.
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    More than half the children below age 12 in six leading Indian cities suffer from dangerous levels of lead in their blood, and independent study has found.

    The study, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, was discussed at an international conference on lead poisoning that began on Monday, 8 February 1999, in the southern city of Bengalore.

    It was conducted in New Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore and Hyderabad over two years and involved nearly 22,000 children, pregnant women and industrial workers.

    Among the six cities, 54.10 per cent of children below the age of 12 in India's capital, New Delhi, and 61.86 per cent in the commercial capital, Bombay, were found to have blood lead levels higher than 10 micrograms per decilitre, the study said.

    In the southern cities of Madras and Bangalore 60.54 per cent and 39.94 per cent respectively of children below 12 had blood lead levels higher than 10 micrograms per decilitre.  The figure for the eastern city of Calcutta was 55.78 per cent.

    The report also said that 40.22 per cent of people over age 12 in the six cities had blood lead levels higher than 10 micrograms per decilitre.

    The George Foundation said lead poisoning leads to permanent brain damage, particularly among young children.  It said no level of lead in blood is safe or normal.

    The World Health Organisation estimates that 15 to 18 million children in developing countries are suffering from permanent brain damage due to lead poisoning, it said.

    The statement also said the major sources of lead poisoning included automobile fuel, lead-based paint, leaded cooking utensils and drinking water systems.

    The article was published on The Times of Malta, 10 February, 1999