NITI Aayog – CSIR Report on Lead Poisoning in India

NITI Aayog-CSIR Report on Lead Poisoning in India

Recently in the year 2022, NITI Aayog and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted a study regarding lead poisoning.

  • Based on the findings of this study, experts have expressed concern about lead poisoning in India.
  • According to this study, 23 states have an average level of lead metal in the blood above the permissible limit of 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL).
  • Due to lack of research and screening mechanism to collect data, blood lead levels have not been determined in the remaining states and union territories.
  • Furthermore, a 2020 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Pure Earth also mentions that 27.5 million children in India have blood lead levels above the permissible limit of 5 µg/dL.

Lead poisoning

  • Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in the body, often over a period of months or years.
  • This is due to the absorption of lead in the human system, symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, a deep receding gum line, and muscle weakness or paralysis of a limb.
  • Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because their bodies are still in their developing stages.
  • Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal. It is found in the earth’s crust.

Sources of lead poisoning

  • Commercial sources: Mining, painting, glass making, pottery, smelting etc.
  • Non-occupational sources: traditional medicine, exhaust from vehicles, food items, colored toys, contaminated soil, dust, water etc.

Effects of lead poisoning:

  • It damages the brain and nervous system,
  • This is the reason for slow growth and development,
  • This can lead to learning and hearing/speech problems,
  • Leads to less intellectual development, causes less academic achievement etc.

Steps taken to phase out lead-

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations protect workers from toxic metal exposure.
  • The Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 have come into force.
  • Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 have been issued.

Source – Down to Earth

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