Islamabad, May 3 (IANS). A new study of children aged 12-36 months living in seven high-risk areas of Pakistan found lead in the blood of four out of every 10 children. This study has been done jointly by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination and UNICEF.
According to UNICEF, exposure to lead can stunt the growth of children. There may be anemia and the immune system may become weak. Apart from this, it can reduce IQ, reduce the ability to concentrate and also affect memory. Due to this, difficulties in studies and behavioral problems can also increase in children.
The study identified several potential sources of lead exposure, including factory smoke, informal recycling of batteries, lead paint, contaminated food, spices, and traditional cosmetics.
According to UNICEF, in this study, samples of 2,100 children were taken, who live in industrial areas like Joharipur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi.
The report said 88 percent of children in Hattar and Haripur, the worst-affected areas, had high levels of lead in their blood. At the same time, in Islamabad this figure was only one percent.
The report also says that about 8 out of 10 children in Pakistan may be exposed to lead, which is the highest in the world. This reduces the learning ability of children, which also affects the economy of the country. It is estimated that this may cause a loss of 6-8 percent of GDP i.e. about 25-35 billion dollars every year.
Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Pakistan representative, said: “Children can absorb up to five times more lead than adults, so they are at greater risk. Lead affects every part of the body, but the effects on the brain can be very serious and permanent. No level of lead is safe for children and the damage can be irreversible.”
According to UNICEF, a national-level survey will be conducted in 2026 to better understand the impact of lead on children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.
“Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable threats to children’s health, with lifelong consequences, especially on their ability to learn and function,” said Abdullah Fadil, director of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future.
–IANS
AY/ABM
